Gary J. Woods

Gary J. Woods, 78, of Valdosta, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Langdale Hospice House. Born on July 9, 1946, in Hawkinsville, GA. He grew up in Hawkinsville and attended school in Dodge County. He graduated from Hawkinsville High School in 1964 and attended Middle Georgia College. He then graduated from Mercer University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, going on to graduate from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He served in the National Guard, the Air Force, the Army Reserve and the Air Force Reserve, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1994. After retirement, Gary and his wife Dorothy moved to Palatka, FL, to enjoy retirement. In 2003, while at Peniel Baptist Church Gary was called to ministry. There he started as a Sunday School teacher, then Sunday School Director, and then he was ordained as a Deacon. He served at Peniel Baptist Church for over 10 years before Gary and Dorothy moved to Valdosta in 2014 to be near their daughter. They joined Northside Baptist Church the same year. A few months later he started teaching Sunday School, then soon after that started serving as Senior Adult Pastor, and then shifted to serving as Pastoral Care, which he has done until the current time.

Gary loved people and wherever he was and whatever he was doing, he was loving people and ministering to them. Gary had many hobbies, he loved flying his plane, woodworking, fishing, reading, and riding his motorcycle.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Woods, of Valdosta, his daughter, Dana Simpson, of Valdosta, granddaughter, Winter Simpson, of Valdosta, and his brother John Woods, of Palatka, FL. He was preceded in death by his son, Jay Woods, and parents, Lloyd Woods, and Annie Mae Jennings Woods.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Northside Baptist Church with Dr. Robby Foster and Dr. Benny Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7pm at Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Northside Baptist Church Building Our Legacy, 200 E. Park Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31602, or Hospice of South Georgia, 2263 Pineview Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home