Madison Woo

MARTINEZ, Ga. - Madison Tong Woo, 82, of Martinez, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, November 3rd, after an extended illness. Born on November 18, 1929, in Augusta, Georgia, he attended Richmond County schools and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas, in 1947. Mr. Woo was a successful entrepreneur who began with the inheritance from his father of a small neighborhood grocery store on Wrightsboro Road. He went on to open another neighborhood grocery, become a successful insurance salesman, started several Chinese restaurants, and owned a convenience store. He was proud to have been named a lifetime member of the insurance industry's Million Dollar Roundtable. In 1970, Mr. Woo was elected as a Richmond County Commissioner and as such was the first Asian- American to hold an elected office in the county. In his role as head of the Parks and Recreation Department he helped create many recreational facilities throughout the county. After his term ended he continued his support through sponsorship of men's and women's softball and basketball teams. As a private citizen he was active in community organizations and served in leadership positions such as president of the Augusta Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, district governor of the Lions Club International and president of the National Hills Lions Club. As a member of St. Mark United Methodist he served in various positions and remained a devoted member of the Chancel Choir for nearly 50years. He was involved with Richmond County and Columbia County Republican Clubs. He supported many causes and charities through fundraising (selling brooms and parking cars during the Masters) and donations (American Cancer Society). Mr. Woo is survived by his wife of 62 years Lessie Jo Hillis Woo, his daughters Linda Bellamy (Allen) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Cindy Pollard (Andy) of Appling, Georgia, and son Madison Woo, Jr. (Jill) of Annapolis, Maryland. His eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren were a source of much joy and happiness. He will be missed by many and remembered by all. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors with Reverend Charles Broome will be officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Coke Geddings, Grant Loo, Jerry Mobley, Thurman Norville, Johnny Smith, Gene Tom, Brian Woo, and Truman Woo. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the St. Mark Faith Discussion Sunday School Class and National Hills Lions Club. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 2367 Washington Road, Augusta, Georgia 30904. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com