William Ralph Woods, Jr.

William Ralph "Billy" Woods, Jr., passed away on March 4th, 2026 at his residence in Americus, Georgia, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born December 15, 1942, in Comer, Alabama, the son of the late Ralph Woods and Lucile Gary Woods. He graduated from Americus High School in 1961. He attended Georgia Southwestern College and the University of Georgia, before pursuing a career in the military.

He served with the U.S. Army for three years in the 82 Airborne Division. He completed over 70 jumps a paratrooper at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After completing his active service, he served in the reserves for another four years.

He then began his working career back in Americus, working first at IMC Fertilizer Company. He then worked for over 20 years for Gold Kist, as a local store manager and regional sales representative.He was known to many farmers in the community for spreading fertilizer, and drying peanuts in season. In 1994, he began a new career in insurance, working in sales for Georgia Farm Bureau until his retirement at age 73. He again was very popular in the farming community in this role as well.

A devoted Christian, he has been a member of Central Baptist Church for forty years. He has served as leader for his men's Sunday school class and as a deacon. He has also led a Bible study group for men that has met at the barn on his property for the last 15 years. He also served as a Gideon, placing Bibles in offices and hotels, and doing speaking engagements for this organization. His goal in all he did was to point people to his Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was well-known for his mechanical mind. He loved to repair and rebuild cars, washing machines, lawnmowers, or whatever needed fixing. He also enjoyed welding, wood work, and yard work. He was also famous for his gardening, especially for his homegrown tomatoes that he gave away in the community. He had a strong work ethic, and always wanted to be busy.

Above all, his family always came first. He always had time for his children and grandchildren in all their activities. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Genny Dowdy Woods: his children, Dr.Jason Woods (Trisha), and Gynger (Tom) Rogers; sisters, Jean (Fred) Pendley and Nancy (Ray) Coker; grandchildren, Ansley (Christopher) Radney, Bryce (Ellie) Woods, Avery Woods, Gi Rogers, Francie Rogers, and Ryn Rogers; and great-grandchild, Ford Woods.

A memorial service will be held at Central Baptist Church on Friday, March 6th 2026 at 11:00 A.M. Dr. Bryan Meyers and Reverend Hugh DeLoach will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. A private internment will be held at a later time. The family wishes to extend gratitude to his caregivers, Kevin Walton, Kilita Davis, Samantha Hearin, and Joel Ross. Their care and compassion for Billy in his last days was invaluable. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Baptist Church, 190 Upper River Road, Americus, Georgia 31709, or Gideons International, P.O. Box 722, Americus, Georgia 31709.

The following gentlemen have been called to serve as active pallbearers: Bryce Woods, Christopher Radney, Jeff Coker, Tim Morris, John Pendley, Daniel Pendley, and Michael Pendley.