Ernie Woods

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Ernest Franklin Woods, age 78, of Jay, Oklahoma passed away on December 31st with his beloved family at his side.

Ernest was born on December 28th, 1943, in Maysville, Arkansas to Clarence and Lora (Burton)Woods.

He attended Jay High School. After high school he moved to western Kansas to live with family and work. After a few years he returned to the Southwest City community. On Feb 1, 1964 he was united in marriage to Phyllis (Reece) Woods (she survives).

The years following, he seeked employment in the local poultry industry followed by working on numerous cattle ranches in the area. He also began his own excavating company as well as two different service stations in the Southwest City community. He continued as a heavy equipment operator and cattle ranch worker until the later part of his career, and then proceeded to employment with Hudson Foods as a department supervisor for 9 years and then finished his work career with Simmons Foods as a truck driver for 12 years, after which he retired. After retirement he resided with his wife Phyllis on the family farm until his late passing.

Ernie was loved and adored by his family, friends and community. He was caring, giving and friendly to every person he met and was famously known for his amazing smile and unforgettable waving hand, even to complete strangers. One of his greatest passions was the love of horses. He spent countless hours training and working on horseback, whether it be ranch work or the rodeo sport of team roping. He always put his love of God and family first and foremost above everything else. He was an amazing provider, teacher, healer and mentor for all those who knew him. He loved his family and extended family with his whole heart and always made sure that everyone felt welcomed and comfortable with his compassion and generosity.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Clarence and Lora Woods of Jay, Oklahoma, sisters Reba J. Woods Talley of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Wanda Simmons also of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Left to cherish his memory, wife: Phyllis (Reece) Woods; son Frank Woods and wife, Karen of Southwest City, Mo., daughter, Nancy Noble and husband Darrin of Jay, Oklahoma, son, Landon “Joe” Woods and wife Miranda of Grove, Oklahoma; six cherished grandchildren: Jimmy Roach and wife Micah of Jay, Oklahoma, Josh Roach and wife Kristen of Grove, Oklahoma, MacKenzie Woods of Grove, Oklahoma, Zack Woods of Southwest City, Missouri, Sterling Woods of Southwest City, Missouri and Dustin Noble of Claremore, Oklahoma; and seven great grandchildren; Aubree, Peyton, JJ, Kaedy, Hadley, Kendal, Gabe, Phoebe, Emberlee. He also leaves behind three siblings; Bob Woods and wife Betty of Maysville, Oklahoma, Sue Meeker of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Jo Cantrell and husband Gene of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the Full Gospel Church in Southwest City, Missouri. Jimmy Roach and Pastor Richard Hart will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to service time at the church.