Mr. Willie "Gator" Woods

Mr. Willie Guy "Gator" Woods passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the age of 78 years. He was born September 22, 1938 to Johnny and Estella (Reese) Woods in Aberdeen, Mississippi. Willie was educated in Aberdeen, MS and relocated to Saginaw Michigan where he was employed at Nodular Iron and Grey Iron, divisions of General Motors and was a member of UAW Local #668. He retired in 1993 with thirty years of service. Willie was affiliated with Zion Missionary Baptist Church with his wife, Sheila. “Gator” was truly blessed and gifted, he was a Mechanic, Plumber and Carpenter. He loved working on cars, building and racing race cars, bowling and traveling. Willie loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He also loved his nieces. Willie had a good sense of humor, a kind heart and a welcoming smile that would light up the room. Mr. Woods leaves to cherish many memories: his wife of 36 years, Sheila Woods of Saginaw, MI; three sons and one daughter, Craig (Marjorie) Williams and Derrick Lister, all of Saginaw, MI, Dennis Woods of Myers, FL and Ondrea D. Briggs of Saginaw, MI; 11 grandchildren, Latoyia Williams, Shaunice Santos, Willie Woods III, all of Saginaw, MI, Shondrea Matthews of Ypsilanti, MI, Cortney Jones, LaTasha Stephens, both of Mesa, AZ, Dennis Woods, Jr. of Tampa, FL, Julius Woods of Clear Water, FL, Craig Williams, Jr., Joshua Williams, Kwuan Holt all of Louisville, KY; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Bettie Woods of Lewisville, TX; two brothers, George Woods and Joe Woods, both of Dallas, TX; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Woods of Saginaw, MI and Crystal Williams of Las Vegas NV; brother-in-law, August (Audrionne) Williams of Saginaw, MI; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends including special friends, Frank (Sanda) Jones, Billy (Darlene) Jones, James (Doris) Jones, Williams Jones, all of Saginaw, MI, Roosevelt Jones, Lonnie (Sheila) Jones Gadsden, Al, Eddie (Tabitha) Jones, Sunflower, MS, god-daughter, Alexis Hoosier, Betty Daniels, Joshua Hughes, Elijah Miles, Larry Monroe, Clyde Drain and special niece, Angela Parkes. Mr. Woods was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Estella Woods; two sons, Willie Perry Woods, Raymond Woods; four brothers, Theodore, Alton, Jimmy and Peter Woods; sisters, Clara Brandon and Earline Davis; three brothers-in-law, Michael Scarbough, Clarence Jones and Joe Alexander; four sisters-in-law, Greta Scarbough, Hester Williams, Shirley Alexander and Loretta Jones. The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Atri, Riverside Dialysis, Health Source, caregivers, Shaunice Santos and Covenant HealthCare, Dr. Godiali and Heartland. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 721 Johnson Street. Pastor Rodrick Smith will officiate with interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue on Wednesday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Willie "Gator" Woods

September 22, 1938 - January 26, 2017