Louis Woods
Lt. Col. Louis Moten Woods, 92, died on January 7, 2011 at home in the presence of his loved ones.
He was born in 1918 in Cynthiana, Ky., the third child of Delilah and Floyd Woods. He grew up in Kentucky and matriculated to Knoxville College in Knoxville, where he met Hazel Lillian Caldwell, the love of his life.
After his graduation from Knoxville College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, he and Hazel married and began a family. He immediately enlisted to serve his country in the U.S. Army in World War II.
After a brief period in civilian life, he re-enlisted and completed Officer Candidate School, going on to serve a total of more than 28 years in the Army before retiring as Lieutenant Colonel.
His tours of duty included two assignments in Korea, one in Japan and two in Germany as well as multiple U.S. bases. His decorations and medals included The Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense serve Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Korean Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, seven Overseas Bars, and the United Nations Service Medal.
After his retirement from the Army in 1969, Louis and Hazel made their home in Chattanooga, where Louis was employed as a manager for the City of Chattanooga, Department of Human Services, Concentrated Employment Program. He eventually retired from Human Services and continued to be active in community life.
He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church East Eighth Street where he was a deacon, followed by several years as part of the New Monumental Baptist Church family.
Louis loved his family and home, cars, travel and music. He was a devoted member of the Knoxville College Alumni and the Volunteer Social Club. He loved his country and was ever proud of his military service.
He is survived by Hazel Lillian Caldwell Woods, his wife of 69 years; a sister, Clara Mae Woods Gaddie of Detroit, Mi.; and by his six daughters, Angela Gail Woods Vaughan Frinch of Phoenix, Az.; Myra Lynn Woods (Gerald Sr.) Jackson of Houston, Tx.; Sylvia Joyce Woods Mudenda of Chattanooga; Grace Lucille Woods Ashford of Chattanooga; Essie Jeanine Woods Bruell of Chattanooga and Dorwatha Helen Woods of Minneapolis, Mn.; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, Jan. 13, at New Monumental Baptist Church with Rev. Roderick Ware, Rev. Collins and Rev. Caldwell officiating.
The body will lie in state after noon on Wednesday, Jan. 12, with the family receiving friends from 6–7 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 622-9995.