Gregory Alan Woods

Gregory Alan Woods, MD

December 7, 1956 - March 17, 2026

Dr. Gregory Alan Woods, a distinguished Orthopedic Surgeon, dedicated Sports Medicine specialist, beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on March 17, 2026, at the age of 69.

Born on December 7, 1956, in Topeka, Kansas, Dr. Woods lived a life defined by discipline, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Dr. Woods earned his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering, with a pre-medical focus, from the University of Kansas, where he also played football. This unique combination of academic and athletic achievement led to a remarkable moment of decision. On a single day, he received two job offers in chemical engineering, draft consideration from the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys, as well as acceptance letters from two medical schools. He ultimately chose a life of service through medicine.

He received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery. He further advanced his training with a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Over a distinguished career spanning decades, Dr. Woods became known for his clinical excellence, steady judgment, compassionate care, and sense of humor. As an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine, he treated generations of patients and athletes, helping them recover, rebuild, and return to the activities they loved.

His passion for sports extended far beyond medicine. He coached all of his sons in youth football and served as an assistant coach at the junior varsity and varsity levels during those years. Long after his coaching days ended, he remained a fixture on the Friday night sidelines as a team physician, caring for the athletes he loved - finding deep satisfaction in those electric nights under the lights, watching over the young men he had devoted his career to serving.

Dr. Woods embraced life through his many passions. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, riding his motorcycles, gardening, lake-life, and spending time with family playing board games, watching movies, and following football.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Orrison Woods; his children, William Woods (wife Rebekah), James Woods (wife Rien), Charles Woods (partner Kori), and Emily Woods (partner Jermaine); his mother, Shirley Woods; his brother, Tod Woods (wife Linda); his sister, Jill Woods (husband Dan); and his cherished grandchildren, Berkleigh Woods, Remington Woods, Gavin Woods, Sutton Woods, Penelope Woods, Shaniah Daniel, Marques Daniel, Lucius Daniel, Annie Fortner, Emmett Fortner, and Mila Fortner.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Woods.

Dr. Woods leaves behind a legacy of excellence in medicine, strength in character, an inspiration to persevere, and an unwavering devotion to his family and community.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Dr. Gregory Woods Legacy Fund for Sports Medicine through the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation. To donate, go to NGHS.com/foundation/donate, then click "Donate Today", enter an amount. Under "Other Designation" enter Dr. Gregory Woods Legacy Fund for Sports Medicine.