William Russell Woods

Surrounded by his loving family in Sunset Beach, NC, while at the 6th Annual Family Reunion, William Russell Woods, 82 of Tega Cay, SC passed on to rest in peace. After 4 days of enjoying his family from around the country, on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, while watching the ocean, Bill entered into eternal rest.

Bill was born in Hartford, CT on June 14, 1936 to Russell Stafford Woods and Catherine Whiteford Woods.

Bill worked in the automotive industry and then after many years retired from Travelers Insurance Company Claims Division. He drove a Catastrophe Van for Travelers to disasters around the country after his retirement. The last being his 4 months at Ground Zero in New York City following the 911 attack. Like many people that were at Ground Zero, he suffered from blood Cancer. Bill was a Board Member and Volunteer Fireman at Tega Cay Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. He was awarded his 10 year Leather Helmet and in 2011 was named Fireman of the Year.

He was very instrumental in being part of the Fire Police and coordinating the collection of aluminum cans to support the Children’s Burn Center. His extensive knowledge of cars and trucks was very helpful in the maintenance of the Department’s Fire Apparatus. He was a volunteer Sexton at First Congregational Church in South Windsor, CT for many years. Bill had a passion for woodworking and building tables, bookcases, trays and more. This together with his knack for picture framing, he and Sally enjoyed sharing their crafts with family and friends.

Bill was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Sally Newberry Woods. He is survived by his son Don Woods and his wife Lauran of Andover, CT; his daughter Michelle Cristini and her husband Jim of Tega Cay, SC; his son Ken Woods and his wife Sara of Rock Hill, SC. His Brother Leslie (Les) Woods and his wife Diane of Tega Cay, SC; Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law, Dwight Newberry and wife Leatha of St. Elmo, IL. He also leaves four grandsons, Nathan Burnham and his wife Melissa of Carrboro, NC; Colin Burnham and his girlfriend Margaret of Clayton, NC; Ryan Woods and Tyler Woods of Andover; a Granddaughter, Crystal Burnham of Troy, NY and special friends of 60+ years Bob and Edie Starr. He is also survived by many loving Nieces and Nephews and Great Nieces and Great Nephews.

A Visitation Gathering to celebrate Bill’s Life will be held on Thursday evening, August 23, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at McEwen Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at First Congregational Church, 993 Main Street, South Windsor, CT at 11 am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full Military and Fire Department Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: TEGA CAY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC., C/O Chief William Kruysman, President, 1136 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay, SC 29708.

Fond memories and expressions of condolences may be placed at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.