Bobby O'Neal Woods

A Celebration of Life for Bobby O'Neal Woods, age 72, will be held at the Hixson Funeral Home of Leesville at 11:00 a.m, Monday, March 7, 2011 with the Rev. Durhl Ray Davis and Bro. Hank Hamilton will be officiating and Mr. Don Goins speaker. The family will receive guests on Sunday between 4:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m at Hixson Funeral Home.

Mr. Woods was born in Kurthwood, LA, April 29, 1938 to Linda Parker Woods Williams and Burnice O'Neal Woods and passed away peacefully on Thursday March 3, 2011 at Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, LA.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda Manasco Woods; Son, Todd O'Neal Woods of Miami, FL; Daughter, Alisa Lynn Woods and his beloved grandson, Parker O'Neal Woods-Wilson, both of Leesville.

He graduated from Leesville High School with the class of 1956 and attended McNeese State University. He served in the US Air Force with the 48th Tac Fighter wing/Security Division in Europe.

He worked at the Vernon Bank for 391/2 years, with the last 30 as President/CEO and Director, retiring in 2003. His banking affiliations/memberships include the Louisiana Bankers Association where he served as past chairman of the Central Group as well as Secretary/Treasurer and member of the Forestry and Agriculture Committees; a 3 year term on the Board of Directors of the LIAB; and past Chairman of the Management Advise and Technical Assistance Program (MATA) for the Office of Financial Institutions. Linda and Bobby participated in the Eisenhower People to People Tour of Europe and the Soviet Union, as part of the Louisiana Delegation, representing Louisiana Financial Institutions where they met with American Embassy Officials and Financial Representatives.

He was a Member of the First United Methodist Church and served as past Finance Chairman.

He was a past Director of the Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce; past Director of the Military Affairs Committee, past Vice President and board member of the Association of the United States Army; past Chairman of the Leesville Lions Club, and past Vice Chairman and board member of the Leesville Housing Authority.

He was a Mason and a Shriner serving as Past Worshipful Master at Anacoco Lodge #240 F&AM. He earned his 32nd Degree Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and was a member of El Karubah Temple, Fullerton Council #26 R&SM, West Louisiana Shrine Club, Rhodes Commandery No. 17 and Knights Templar.

He was a Life time member of the American Legion and the VFW.

Pallbearers are Don Goins, Gerald Norris, Dr. Greg Lord, Sam Piranio, Dewey Snowden, Charles Underwood and Wayne Westmoreland. Honorary Pallbearers are Arlene Terrell, Taini Bennett, Alana Stephens, Nelda Torres, Lullean Harris, Judy McKee, Gail Wagner, Elaine McClain, Kenneth Magee, Joe Simmons, James Armes, Bobby Smith and Delmon Haymon.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to donors choice.