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Berry Funeral Home - Knoxville

3704 Chapman Highway

Knoxville, Tennessee

HAROLD WOODS Obituary

WOODS, HAROLD G. - age 74, of Knoxville, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2014 at his home. He was a member of Island Home Baptist Church. He served as a Green Beret with the 7th Special Forces out of Fort Bragg North Carolina. Harold worked at Aluminum Company of America in Alcoa as a mechanic specialist and union representative for 37 years, and was a proud member of Steelworker's Local 309, was president of Knoxville-Oak Ridge Area Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO for 24 years, president and board member of Tennessee State AFL-CIO, National AFL-CIO, Political Coordinator. He served on the following community boards: East Tennessee PBS channel 2/15 as Treasurer; Cornerstone of Recovery, Tennessee State Democratic Party Executive Committee, charter member of Project Help, United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Child and Family Services, American Red Cross, and National Family Services of America; appointed by several TN Governors to the Tennessee Corrections Industries State Board(TRICOR) as Labor Representative; Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, Knox County Industrial Development Board; and the Private Industry Council. Member of the following: Steelworker Organization of Active Retirees, IATSE Local 197, and OPEIU Local 144, and Meade's Quarry Neighborhood Group. Harold was awarded: the 1989 National United Way Joseph Beirne Labor Award of the Year, the 2001 National CAC Jayne Thomas Grassroots Volunteer Award of the Year, Member of Leadership Knoxville Class of 1985 (the first class) and Leadership Blount Class of 1992, Tennessee PTA Life Membership, the George Meany Boy Scout Volunteer Labor Award, AFL-CIO Labor Council Community Services Award, and recently received the 2013 Truman Champions Award from the Knox County Democratic Party, in recognition for decades of service in improving the lives of working people in the state of Tennessee. He was preceded in death by parents, Sherman J. and Zora Woods; brother, Tommy L. Woods; sisters, Barbara Barnes and Edria Cole; grandparents, Edmond C. and Belle M. Woods; niece, Tammy Woods; and nephew, John Terrell Barnes. Survivors include: wife of 52 years, Sylvia Woods; children and grandchildren, with whom he was very active in the lives of and proud of, Harold Woods and David and wife Lora Woods; grandchildren, Steven Woods, Sara Woods, and Hannah Woods; brother, Woody Woods; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 22nd from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Island Home Baptist Church, with the funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m., with Rev. Tim Fleeger officiating. Family and friends will meet at Berry Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, to go in procession to Woodlawn Cemetery for the interment service at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be Harold Woods, David Woods, Steven Woods, Woody Woods, Kevin Woods, and Jimmy Courtney. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Island Home Baptist Church, 2323 Island Home Ave. Knoxville, TN 37920 or CAC Mobile Meals (a United Way organization), 2247 Western Ave. Knoxville, TN 37921. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for HAROLD WOODS

Not sure what to say?





Isaac Gobern

February 13, 2014

My deepest heart felt Thank you Sylvia, for being a supportive life partner to an amazing man. The fruits of you and Harold's decades of passionate labor for social change will continue to impact countless families for many years to come. Words cant express my endless gratitude for the wonderful gift I now enjoy in the friendship w David. Please rest in the comfort of knowing that your son is a living testament to your families values and continues Harold's legacy. I'm blessed because of great couples like you and Uncle Harold.

January 30, 2014

Sylvia and Family,
Sorry to read about the death of Harold. I just found the Knoxville Newspaper article by an accidental scan of articles sent to me by a friend. I know your loss is great as his companionship was a wonderful part of your life. Please contact me . . .your sister has my address. The best to you and your family.
Sarah Swann Hardy, your Cousin Clearwater, Florida

Dixie Lea Petrey

January 29, 2014

Sylvia and family, I served with Harold on CAC's Board. You both have given of yourselves working with others to make our community a better place to live. I have learned from both of you. I am grateful that my journey it life intersected with both of you. With love and sympathy, Rev. Dixie Lea Petrey

Jimmy Hyde

January 28, 2014

Never met a better person who was dedicated to the cause of working families .
Your never heard anyone say Harold without saying Sylvia they were one. My prayers are with the family I just found out about his death it's a sad day for working families.

Paula King

January 25, 2014

I only have a few memories of my cousin Harold, but they were all good ones. He was always kind and welcoming to me. The Woods family will be in our prayers.

Joan Hill

January 24, 2014

Sister Sylvia and family: My deepest thoughts are being lifted up to you all. Harold was a great trade unionist and an inspiration to all of us who walked beside him and behind him. Joan Hill, USW International, Murfreesboro TN

Connie and Tom Cole

January 24, 2014

This community will miss Harold. He was a champion for the working people and those who were less fortunate. His tireless efforts will be missed.

Bill Munsey

January 24, 2014

My belated but heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband and father. Harold was a true champion of working people everywhere. His loss will be felt not only by the labor community but by the community at large.

April woods-moses

January 23, 2014

I'm sorry for you loss. Everyone will be in my prayers.

January 22, 2014

Dear Sylvia and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I always remember Harold had such energy and drive, especially when it came to helping others. He was always right there on a Council, State and National level, anything that had to do with children.
It seems so sad to think of all that energy bring still now.
Again my sympathy to you all.
Sincerey,
Sara F. Frazer - PTA

Tammy Mynatt-Lawson

January 22, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Stacey Diamond

January 22, 2014

I will remember Harold as always doing whatever he could for Labor and the Democratic Party. So sorry for your loss.

Gary Hood

January 22, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss.

January 22, 2014

Sylvia and Family, I am sorry to hear of Harold's passing. I first met him at Anderson School and then we were at YHS together, I have lots of memories of Harold and always looked to see him at our reunions. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless and comfort you. Charlotte Frye

Cindy,Victor Coile

January 22, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone of you during this most difficult time.

Jack Jordan

January 22, 2014

Sylvia - so sorry to hear about this. May your many years of fond memories comfort you through this difficult time.

Mike &Kelly Courtney & family

January 22, 2014

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Thurman & Becky Kinnebrew

January 22, 2014

Sorry to hear of Harold's passing. We will keep you and your family lifted up in prayer in the days to come. May you find peace and joy in your many memories.

Billie and Dianna Wood

January 22, 2014

We will miss Harold when we are back to visit, we all loved hearing his great stories at the Wood Reunion. Harold gave himself to family, friends, country and community with out reservation. He will be missed by many. With sad hearts we send our love and prayers

Lois Reagan Thomas

January 22, 2014

Sorry to hear about Harold's passing. He -- and you, Sylvia -- , are wonderful examples of strong, down-to-earth leadership and I always enjoyed interviewing both during my years as a journalist. I'm sure being a labor leader was sometimes a thankless job in this area, but both of you made a positive impact.

Christie Dowling

January 22, 2014

I first met Harold in the early 80's when I was starting Operation Health Check (now known as Covenant Health Check), a health fair program for East Tennessee. He was the first person to help me get an employer allow a full service health fair on the work site. Thanks to Harold hundreds of employees of Levi Strauss received free health screenings on an annual basis. Harold helped me recruit volunteers and the longer I worked with him the more I came to admire him and his values. He truly cared about workers and was passionate about making sure everyone was treated fairly. Our community has lost a great leader but I know in my heart Harold is in heaven with all the other unrecognized Saints that pass through our lives.

Tammy White

January 22, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Larry Trotterchaud

January 22, 2014

I am sorry to hear of Harold's passing. His love and legacy for family, community and the labor movement will live on.

Bill Webster

January 21, 2014

Thinking of you and your family in the loss of your Dad.

Sheila Miller

January 21, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the Woods family during this time. Harold was an amazing man and fantastic brother in law. I'll cherish the memories we have together. Love you all.

Pam Lambert

January 21, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Harold was a nice man and always thinking of others. He will be missed.

Marian Groover

January 21, 2014

Sylvia and Family,
Harold served his Country, his Union, his
community but his family was always first. You were his life.
Now he is at rest.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marian Groover

Patsy Thompson

January 21, 2014

Tennessee has loss a great leader, he was a fighter for the working people. My prayers are for Slyvia and the children. Love PJ Thompson

January 21, 2014

I took Harold to Vietnam after the war was over we saw areas that were places americans hadn't walked for sometime. He was a good man and I enjoyed traveling with him

Roberta Pedigo

January 21, 2014

Sylvia,

Please accept my condolences to you and your family. Harold was a wonderful person that did so much for his community.

Jeanette Aytes

January 21, 2014

Sadden to hear about the passing of Harold. Worked with him many years at ALCOA and he was always great to work with.

Larry Odum

January 21, 2014

Harold was a "champion" for the America labor movement and justice for all mankind! I hope the family writes a book in his honor! It would be a best seller! Men like Harold are rare, his loyalty and daily good works will be remembered for years to come ! Rest in peace my union brother!

Mike K. Hampton

January 21, 2014

I am saddened by the passing of Harold. This is a loss for his many friends in the Tennessee Democratic Party. He will be missed.

My thoughts will be with him this Saturday during the Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting. My thoughts will also be with Sylvia and the family through this sad time. Rest in peace Harold.

January 21, 2014

So sad to learn about Harold. I will miss him terribly. He always had something wise and funny to share. Harold was the citizen we could all be proud to be. My condolences to Sylvia and the entire Woods family.

SAM LEE

January 21, 2014

IT SADDEN ME TO HEAR ABOUT HAROLD PASSING. MY PRAYORS GO OUT TO SYLVIA,DAVID AND HAROLD REMEMBER IT IS WRITTEN THAT WE'LL SE HAROLD AGAIN ONE DAY. UNION B.C.T.& G.M.

Sylvia Ward

January 21, 2014

I admire him so much for all he accomplished for working people, his ability to make his viewpoints known by adversaries, and his final brave battle for life.

Amanda Woods

January 21, 2014

Uncle Harold was an inspiration to us all. He always put others first and fought for the working class. I admire him so much. I know my daddy is going to miss you so much. What a wonderful brother and best friend you have been to him. Say hello to uncle Tommy, Barbara and Tammy for me. I love you!

Steve Drevik

January 21, 2014

Harold will truly be missed by many in this city.

January 21, 2014

On behalf of Secretary-Treasurer James Hale, the Tennessee AFL-CIO staff, all affiliate unions and myself, I would like to extend to Sylvia and the entire Woods family our sincere condolences on the loss of their loved one, Harold Woods. Harold was a GREAT union leader and community activist that will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, my brother.

Fraternally,

Gary W. Moore
President, TN AFL-CIO Labor Council

Richard Henighan

January 21, 2014

I've know Harold & Silvia over the years through their work with Jobs with Justice and similar pro-worker organizations. Sylvia and family, I am sorry we have lost Harold. We will all miss him greatly. I send my deep condolences and wish you all peace and hope in carrying on his memory and legacy. Richard Henighan

Pat White

January 21, 2014

Sylvia and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. He will be truly missed.

Carol Harris McCarter

January 21, 2014

Sylvia, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Desiree Belcher

January 21, 2014

Harold will be truly missed. My prayers are for God's comfort and strength for you Sylvia and family!

Linda Haney

January 21, 2014

On behalf of the Knox County Democratic Party I would extend our deepest sympathy to Sylvia and the Woods family.

Terry Reed

January 21, 2014

Sylvia, you and the family are in my prayers. Let me know if there is anything you need.

Dan & Linda Haney

January 21, 2014

We will miss our great conservations with him. He was a real fighter in many ways.

Chris Foell

January 21, 2014

Sorry for your loss, Sylvia. Harold will be sorely missed.

Kristi Cook

January 21, 2014

I am very sorry to hear of Harold's passing. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Jason Andrews

January 21, 2014

Our condolences to friends and family for the loss of Harold Woods a man who fought for the working people of Tennessee. Tennessee Building & Construction Council

Dan Kidd

January 21, 2014

To Sylvia and the Woods family,
Very sorry to hear about Harold's passing. I know he left a wonderful legacy for all of you to be proud of and I hope that your memories of him and his life's passions can somehow ease the loneliness that comes with sending him home to a better place.

January 21, 2014

I greatly respect Harold for all his tireless efforts on behalf of working people and for his long career in the labor movement/politics. I just pray God will bless and comfort his whole family for many years to come. Love Danny & Mary Castleberry

January 21, 2014

Enjoying this great picture, showing Harold's friendly smile. Praying for you and the family. Hugs, Sharon

Pame Moore-Morrow

January 20, 2014

I'm so sorry to hear of Harold's passing. I so enjoyed serving with him on the state executive committee for many years. It is a hugh lost for labor. My thoughts & prayers are with you

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3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920

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