Gail Eugene Woods

GAIL EUGENE WOODS age 77 of Sturgis, Michigan passed away unexpectedly early Friday morning May 20, 2011 at his home. He was born September 4, 1933 in Sturgis, Michigan a son of the late Gerald and Genivieve (Poe) Woods. Gail had resided his whole life in the Sturgis and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1951. On November 26, 1975 he married Debra Brill in Sturgis. Following 31 years of dedicated employment as Engineer Manager at the Machine Rite Company in LaGrange, Indiana he retired March 1, 1999. Prior to joining Machine Rite he had been employed by the Kirsch Company in Sturgis as a Tool & Die Maker. Gail was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War earning the rank of Private First Class. He enjoyed boating, traveling, woodworking, fishing and working around his home and was known for being able to fix most anything. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 35 years, Debra, three children from a previous marriage, one brother, Earl (Elaine) Woods of Sturgis his father and mother-in-law, Bob and Naomi Brill of LaGrange, Indiana, brother-in-law, Mike (Sandi) Brill of Leesburg, Indiana, nephews, Chris Brill and Cameron Brill both of Leesburg, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Donald Woods and Robert Woods. The family will receive friends from 2:00-6:00 P.M. Sunday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. Funeral services celebrating the life of Gail Woods will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. The Rev. Robert Keim of the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange, Indiana where full military honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Woods's memory consider the charity of one's choice. The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.