Orville Hoyte Woods, age 87, left this earthly life to enter glory on September 9th, following a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his loving family in his home.
Mr. Woods was born and raised on his family’s farm in Smithland, Tennessee. He was the youngest of seven children born to the late Tom S. Woods and Vespher Bostick Woods. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Hoyte Woods in 1985, two brothers, Thomas E Woods and Ross Woods, and a sister Elaine Woods Powell.
At a young age, he made the decision to follow Christ as a member of the Smithland Community Church. In later years, he attended the Kelso Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and when his health was failing, he watched Adrian Rodgers.
After graduating from Flintville High School in 1955, he joined the Navy and served for four years on the USS Essex. After his discharge he was among the first to be hired at NASA in Huntsville, where he was employed for over 30 years, receiving numerous awards, including the Silver Snoopy Award. On December 5, 1964, he married Linda Owens, the love of his life. Together they had four children. After retirement he devoted his full time to farming.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Linda Owens Woods, Son, William Thomas Woods (Elmy), Sarah Woods Smith (Cole) and Anna Woods Shasteen (Mark), grandchildren Oryle Woods Counceller (Kevin), Thomas Edward Woods (Hanah), Robert Woods, Coleman Smith, Ben Smith, and Aidan Smith, 3 great grandchildren, brother Ray B. Woods, sisters Emogene Woods Taylor and Lila Faye Woods Walker.
Orville will be remembered for many things including his generous spirit, willingness to help others and especially his love of his family, his heart’s pride, and joy. His was a life well lived and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Graveside funeral service for Orville H. Woods, will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Riverview Memorial Gardens with Rev. Tony Gaskin officiating. There will be no visitation prior to the graveside service.
Memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic, 1237 Huntsville Hwy Suite E, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Orville H. Woods.
14 Comments To "Orville H. Woods"
#1 Comment By Jake and Emily Snoddy On September 10, 2023 @ 2:57 pm
We were so sorry to hear about Mr. Orville…He will be missed…..Prayers for the family……
#2 Comment By Bill Towry On September 10, 2023 @ 5:39 pm
To the family, my heart aches.
#3 Comment By Connie Arnold On September 10, 2023 @ 8:58 pm
So sorry for y’all loss love Orville praying for the family during this difficult time
#4 Comment By Bill Towry On September 10, 2023 @ 10:24 pm
Tom I am so sorry of Orville’s passing
I have so many wonderful memories of our days together at Flintville High
God be with you and your family
#5 Comment By Debbie Formosa On September 11, 2023 @ 6:37 am
Tom& Elmy, I am so sorry for your loss- you & your family will be in my prayers
#6 Comment By Robn Daniel Shelton On September 11, 2023 @ 10:34 am
I remember Orville from my childhood years when my grandmother sold Avon to Linda (Tom was a baby). Thanks to Facebook, I’ve kept up with the Woods family throught the years. I’m so sorry to find news of Orville’s passing on this same platform that has allowed me to follow all the happiness this family has shared. My thoughts are with the family and my prayers are that the memories will carry you all through to brighter days.
#7 Comment By Karen Gilliam and family On September 11, 2023 @ 10:39 am
I share in your sorrow at the loss of Orville. May your faith sustain you now and in the days to come. Much love from all my family.
#8 Comment By Mary Partin On September 11, 2023 @ 3:42 pm
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all during this time. God Bless, Mary, Teresa Partin, Billy McGehee
#9 Comment By Becky brazelton On September 11, 2023 @ 5:14 pm
Linda, so sorry for your loss
#10 Comment By Dorothy Taylor @ Randy On September 11, 2023 @ 10:05 pm
So sorry for yas loss prayers for his friends and family so sorry Faye and Imogene
#11 Comment By Jason Nix On September 12, 2023 @ 6:36 am
A pillar of the community for sure. He will be missed by many. Prayers for all of the family.
#12 Comment By Glen and Susan Braghetta On September 12, 2023 @ 1:44 pm
Anna, our deepest sympathy and prayers for the loss of your father. Glen and Susan
#13 Comment By Rexine Douthit Pigg On September 12, 2023 @ 9:57 pm
Orville will be missed & remembered for his good works & love of family. May God bless you all. With love, Rexine & Jonathan Pigg
#14 Comment By Cecilia Owens On September 14, 2023 @ 6:40 pm
I have many fond memories of Orville and I was sorry to hear of his passing. I especially remember how respected he was by my father, Edward Cecil Owens. May god give you strength in this time of sadness.