Charlie "Doug" Woods

Mr. Charlie Douglas “Doug” Woods passed away at his residence, Sunday, October 29, 2023.

Doug was born Monday, May 14, 1945, to his parents Charlie Ivery Woods and Clara Smith Woods.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Ray Woods, Jerry Woods, and Frankie Woods.

Doug always had a story to tell. Some of his favorite stories to tell were from his years of growing up in Esom Hill, working for Britton Bradshaw on his dairy farm, the Cushman Eagle Motorcycle that Mr. Bradshaw gave him, or maybe it was about his many years on the rodeo circuit “bull riding, “ and the time he went to the national finals in Oklahoma. He had a special way of making you believe that anything he said was the gospel truth.

We will miss your jokes, your sense of humor, your laugh, and that beautiful smile. You always kept us laughing.

Doug loved to sing, and sing he did, with Joyful Noise and the Pilgrims from Fruit Hurst, Alabama, as well as church groups. He loved going anywhere to sing, but the nursing homes had his heart. He loved helping churches and other organizations with fundraising. He could cook some awesome Boston Butts and BBQ

An avid bicyclist, he served for many years, cooking for the Memorial Day and Labor Day bicycle rides for the Silver Comet trail. He enjoyed riding the bicycle trails with his buddies “Over the Hill Gang.” Doug worked for C&A Freight until he went to work for Yellow Transportation, and retired in 2007 with 31 years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Bessie Welchel, who became an ole Woods girl, Saturday August 18, 1990. “He was the love of my life, my soul mate, and my best friend.”

He is also survived by a daughter, Juli Brandon (Tim); a son, Chad Woods (Lindsay); 5 grandchildren, Austin Worthey, Jordan Worthey, Anna Grace Brandon, Ava Ann, and Barrett; and great grandchildren, Eli Worthey, Grant Worthey, Abigail Worthey, June Acker, and Baby Braxton on the way. He is also survived by sisters, Charlotte Kilgore, and Sandra Goss (Eddie); brother: Roy Woods (Carol); brother-in-law, Steve Welchel (Debbie) who he always thought of as his brother; and sister and brother-in-law Rebecca and P.D. Wheeler. Additionally, he is survived by special friends, Danny “little brother” and Claire Nichols; and special nieces, who he thought of as his own, Kara Welchel, Nicaylen Welchel, Kensley Welchel, and Tiffany Goss-Ruff, who he lovingly called “gomer”.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 3, 2023, at 3:00 PM at the Smith and Miller Funeral Home, with Reverend PD Wheeler and Reverend Kim Wolfe officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Conrad Bristow, Casey Lyall, Terry Patterson, Ken Woods, John Meeks, Kevin Welchel, Jason Ruff, Mackey Agan, and Tomm Richards.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kara Welchel, Nicaylen Welchel, Kensley Welchel, Anna Grace Brandon, Jordan Worthey, and Barry Domangue.

The family will receive friends prior to the funeral from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

The family kindly requests that there be no flowers. Please make a donation to the charity of your choice in his memory.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Charlie Douglas “Doug” Woods.