A.Y. "Buddy" Woods III, age 66, of Athens, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2013.
A native of Athens, Buddy was the son of the late A.Y. Woods Jr. and Elizabeth Warren Woods. Survivors include a brother, David Warren Woods Sr., his wife, Kim, and children, Matthew and Haley Parr, of Athens; a nephew, "Chip" Woods, and his wife, Beth, of Athens; and a niece, Lori Woods White, her husband, Nick, and children, Annie and Claire, of Bonaire.
Buddy's childhood was spent in Athens, where he attended Athens High School. After graduation, he attended the University of Georgia and earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1969. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970, though he taught for a semester in Waycross before deployment,
While in the Army, Buddy worked as a cryptologic traffic analyst, and was also chosen as one of the few that worked as an intelligence gatherer for the N.S.A. During this time, he primarily lived in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, and he traveled all throughout Europe. He was also stationed in Colorado Springs, Colo., and at military bases in Texas. He was awarded many medals during his service, and received an honorable discharge in 1978. He then returned to Athens to further pursue his education at the University of Georgia.
Buddy taught middle school math in Social Circle from 1981 until 1983. He became a full-time teacher at Clarke Central High School in 1984. Affectionately known by many of his students as "Uncle Buddy," he loved his career as the graphic arts teacher. His duties and responsibilities included teaching students about photography, computers, desktop publishing--everything, in short, from layout to production to actual printing. By 1990, he had transformed a small building that once housed R.O.T.C. personnel into a state-of-the-art publishing house. In 1991, he assumed responsibility for the school yearbook, and for 11 years until his retirement in 2002, he and his staff produced a yearbook any high school would admire.
Buddy's students knew him to be a taskmaster and a perfectionist, but they also knew that behind his desire to produce a quality product was a large and loving heart.
Buddy will be remembered for the treasure chest of wonderful stories he generously shared with those who knew him best, and he will be sorely missed by his family and a close circle of friends.
A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, at the Woods Family Cemetery, 950 Danielsville Road, Pine Hollow, with Dr. John Kipp, Parish Associate, officiating. Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Athens, is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
David, I am so sorry for your lose. I will always remember Buddy and buying my first car from him. He was a funny man. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Mary Johnson Sumner
September 19, 2013
Although I only knew Buddy for a short time back in the early 1980's (he had a part time job at UGA Computer Services), I do remember listening and enjoying his conversation about the places he had been and also the stories of the NSA. To the Family, I am sorry for your lost, but remember that Buddy leaves behind a lot of fond memories to a lot of folks, even if he only came into their lives for a very short time.
Thurmond Geeter
September 18, 2013
What a beautiful man and teacher. I wish I could put into words the amount of love and respect I had for Buddy as a teacher, mentor and friend. My deepest sympathies to the Woods family their.
Robert Petrasek
September 17, 2013
Mr. Woods will always be remembered. His classes were my favorite in high school. He taught us well, but more importantly trusted our judgement. Rest in peace.
Whitney Shields Alverson
September 17, 2013
Mr. Woods class was one of my favorites as a student at CCHS c/o 88'. He sparked a love for photography I still have today. Great person, great educator.
H. J. Byrd
September 17, 2013
Buddy never ceased to amaze me with his wit, wisdom and stories. He will be missed. RIP
Kate Harwood
September 17, 2013
Rest in peace my friend, it was my pleasure to have known you. I will miss talking with you, and hearing about all your adventures!
Debbie ( the mail lady) Waddell
September 17, 2013
Kim and David, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Dykes
September 17, 2013
Kim & Family:
You & yours are in our thoughts & prayers during this most difficult time. With Our Deepest Sympathy.
Reid & Karen Christenberry
September 17, 2013
Dear David,
I was saddened to hear of Buddy's death. What an amazing man!He will certainly be missed.You are very much in my thoughts and prayers, and, as always, very much in my heart.
Judi Saye Fleming
September 17, 2013
Mr. Woods was a fun teacher with a big heart. He will be missed. Rest in peace
Martha Kelley Micon
September 17, 2013
Rest in peace my good friend! Save a place for me on the other side.
Michael Manning
September 17, 2013
I always enjoyed graphic arts and then becoming the ad editor for the yearbook with Buddy, we always enjoyed his stories and classes. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Nicky Williams
September 17, 2013
May you rest in peace. You were a great friend and mentor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fonda
September 17, 2013
David,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this time.
With deepest sympathies,
Lynda Harden Powell
September 17, 2013
Mr. Woods challenged us all to look beyond what we knew we could do well to do it better. My prayers are with all who cared for him.
Lissa Sumner Long
September 17, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Woods' family. He taught me at Clarke Central High School and was WONDERFUL teacher.
Sakina Barnett-King
September 17, 2013
David,
I'm sorry for the loss of your brother.
Carol Snyder Roberts
September 17, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Bernstein Funeral Home
September 17, 2013
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