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STEPHEN WOODS Obituary
Stephen Richard Woods, Jr. Maj. Gen. US Army (Ret.)
Of Alexandria, Virginia, on February 10, 2018. Beloved husband of 55 years to Mary Helms Woods; loving father of Sharon Elizabeth Woods, Stephen Richard Woods, III (Patricia), and Shawn Patrick Woods; grandfather of Sabrina C. Woods; brother of William C. Woods (Martha Jane). Relatives and friends may call Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA on Friday, February 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be at the Old Post Chapel at Ft. Myer with interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in General Woods' name to the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorsproject.org. Please view and sign the family guestbook online at www.jeffersonfuneralchapel.com
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Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN WOODS
Kevin Troller
February 8, 2021
Wow, has it really been 3 years since MG Woods' passing? Adding a thought today, I am thankful for all the conversations I had with MG Woods and Mary long after we both retired. As passionate as MG Woods was in uniform, as he got older, he had mellowed significantly, and all of our conversations were about various leaders and soldiers we had both served with; and all he remembered were the good times; the best that everyone gave. I wish that for everyone, that while life challenges us when we're in the daily grind, trying to do good things for the right reasons, that when it's all said and done that we are only left with great memories of the great people we were surrounded by. Kevin
Ron Boggs
February 7, 2021
The most vivid memories I have of any prior boss and leader are of MG Dick Woods.
* The first time we met when I came up from TRADOC to ask for a job in his PA&ED directorate, and he said that he didn't want to give me a job because I could go further elsewhere. He agreed after I explained my rationale.
* The time he stepped-in and saved me from a heated argument on the E-Ring with the VCSA, GEN Max Thurman, saying that he would take care of the matter ... and he never spoke of it to me.
* The time he slowly took apart a ball point pen, to calm down a high energy Major going in to brief the CSA
* The time he didn't bite my head off when I shoved a paper for signature into his bathroom stall with two other officers standing by to deal with any of his objections ... we had minutes to take the paper into the CSA. He only corrected a spelling error.
* The time I jumped out as he walked back from the latrine ... to enable me to buck the line of Colonels waiting for him in his office ... to get a chop on some action I was working.
* The time he flew me down with him (as a courtesy to my wife, Nancy ... and me) when he was speaking to the Montgomery AL, Army Comptrollership course. Nancy introduced him as the PA&ED Chief who had lost the most money ever. Budgets were tight.
* The time at a Christmas party, when he went to every member put his hands on their shoulders and said something about them. When he came to me he put his hands on my shoulders, said nothing and walked over to my wife, Nancy and said ... " And Nancy survived Ron this year".
Since his passing ... every night as I get out of bed to do my bathroom thing ... I remind myself to be careful and not fall as he did. There is not a day when I do not think of him in some way.
Mary, he was a wonderful boss and soldier. Nancy and I miss him.
MARY LOU NOSCO
December 6, 2020
My husband and I served with MG Woods at Fort Benjamin Harrison. we enjoyed over the years exchanging Christmas and New Years greetings. He was an outstanding officer and Gene and I both enjoyed serving with him.
Tony McKinnon
February 18, 2018
Mary:
I often think of Dick in the fondest terms. He had a very strong and positive impact on my life. I still treasure the evenings with you and Dick at West Point when we were all so young. Bless him.
Robin Nix
February 17, 2018
Our deepest condolences for the Woods family. MG Woods was a great soldier and all round great guy. Always there when you needed a little help or a laugh.
Ron Boggs
February 15, 2018
MG Woods was Nancy Boggs' most favorite person. He was also my PA&ED nemesis but mentor as well. We all respected him and he was a GREAT leader. The stories I have with him are too long for this memory ... but will be shared with our comrades later. He was a GREAT man and soldier.
It pains me greatly to know he is gone ... albeit to a better place.
We pray for Mary and her family. Dick Wood's passing has left a HUGE void that can never be filled. God threw away the mold after he cast it for Dick Woods.
Save journeys Boss ... we will see you again ... someday.
Stephen Bower
February 15, 2018
I was blessed to have served on the staff of this great leader while he was in command of the U.S. Army Soldier Support Center at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. Had it not been for his superb leadership and his remarkable ability to build teams that included both military and civilian players, I would likely have gone on to other pursuits outside the Army's history program. I was a valued member of his team and remain grateful to this day for the time he invested me, the history mission, and the contributions I was able to make to the training and education of military professionals. Although 27 years have passed, my entire family remembers MG Woods for the thoughtful and caring leadership that only a rare few are able to possess. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Mary and the Woods children.
Lane Sizemore
February 15, 2018
Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.
RIP General
John Medley
February 15, 2018
. The General was a highly respected Soldier's General who got the very best from his followers, including me. I loved him and his energized conversations I had with him, including on the eve of Patricia and Steve's marriage the merger of Wood and Steel. "Long live the General"
Jimmy Brown
February 14, 2018
My condolences to Mary and the rest of the Woods family. MG Woods was a true gentleman and a special person. I had the privilege of working for him at ODSCRM in Heidelberg. During that assignment he taught me many things that I used later in my career, both as military and DoD civilian. He was a very strong advocate the soldiers of the Army. Using all his assets and abilities to make sure that policies, laws and regulation were changed to properly support soldiers. Rest in peace General Woods.
Linda Kjonnerod
February 14, 2018
My condolences to the Woods family. He was a good man.
February 14, 2018
My dearest Mary, Sharon, Shawn and Stephen...John said it all...you are are our military family and we do hang in together whether it be for fun...laughs...tears...losses.. and all that goes into making "our lives"....hugs, love and tears.
Jessie Braudaway
February 14, 2018
Enjoyed working with him while in the Pentagon. Sure a great person. Recently called to support me after my wife passed away. He will be missed. Rest in peace MG Woods.
Russ Dowden
February 14, 2018
A great American ... he loved the Army and soldiers ... taught me a lot in the year I worked for him in Heidelberg, Germany ... thank you for all you did for our country ... rest now, you have earned it ... Love to Mary and the rest of the family ...
Kevin Troller
February 14, 2018
Love and prayers to Mary, Sharon, Stephen and Shawn. It's been a long time since our days serving together in Heidelberg in the early '80's. I had the honor by serving as MG Woods' Assistant Executive Officer. He had passion for the Army like I had never seen before, and rarely saw afterwards. My wife, Mary, and I were newlyweds, and we got to grow up in life and in the Army around a GREAT group of colleagues in ODCSRM. Thankfully I've been able to speak with MG Woods and his wife, Mary, in recent years. He was full of love and appreciation for all those he served with and that served our GREAT Army. Prayers and condolences to the family; MG Woods, may you rest in peace. We'll meet again and share more great memories of our Army days !!!
Thomas Godfrey
February 14, 2018
I have so many fond memories of serving with MG Woods in the Pentagon. He knew how to mix work and play to get the most out of his people I will miss him. He was a great soldier.
Pat and Ric Reid
February 14, 2018
We will always remember our time in Heidelberg - working for General Woods and watching Shawn and Les play baseball together. He will be remembered as a great boss and family man.
Mike Draper
February 14, 2018
This is such sad news. He was my BN Commander when we served together with the 1st BN 509th INF (ABN/MECH) in the early 70s' He was a good leader and mentor! Rest in Peace Geronimo, All The Way Sir!
February 14, 2018
Sending love from California to the Woods family from Becky and Christine.
Kevin Snow
February 13, 2018
I really wish I could hop on a plane and be there for you Shawn. Big hugs to you, Sharon, your brother and your Mom. So sorry for the passing of the General. I love you all!
Cindy Fernandez
February 13, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Woods family. I will always remember General Woods as a proud military man who was always so kind and welcoming to me. Such a great loss and my thoughts are with you all.
David Braswell
February 13, 2018
Keeping the Woods family in my prayers.
February 13, 2018
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. May the peace of God and the fond memories you cherish comfort and sustain you in your time of need.
-RM
Rick Gwin
February 13, 2018
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Woods family. Man. Gen. Woods was an American military hero, good family man and loving husband who will deeply be missed. Rick and Hoa Gwin
February 13, 2018
Extending deepest sympathy to the Woods family and saddened by the loss of a good and brave man. Dick always viewed the glass as being half full no matter the circumstances. As he always liked to say...Airborne All the Way! Jim Crouch and Linda Ely
John Williams
February 13, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are for you Mary, Sharon, Stephen and Shawn and the entire Woods family. May the General be at peace.
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