Raymond Dale Woods, 82, of Odin passed away Saturday, August 7, 2021, at his home in Odin. Ray was a true academic that started his educational journey as a graduate of Centralia Junior College. He then earned his bachelor’s degree from McKendree College and later his master’s degree at the University of Illinois. Ray was a teacher and coach for Shanafelt Consolidated School. He served as superintendent for Kell Consolidated School. He was then superintendent for 21 years at Odin Public School. Ray was extremely active in the community, and he served as president of Kaskaskia College for 7 years. He was Statewide Chairman of the Student Services Committee for Illinois Junior College. Ray loved his hometown of Odin and served as trustee for Odin Fire Department. He was one of the founders, of Odin Healthcare Center and a trustee for Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin. He was chairman of the Democratic Party for Marion County, a previous Marion County Board member, and a member of the Centralia Elks Lodge 493.
Ray had many interests and loved to learn. He always had the most meticulous yard, and he took great pride in his yard and landscaping. Ray amazed his grandchildren with his magic skills. He was an avid lover of sports and a huge St. Louis Cardinals and Illini Basketball fan. He enjoyed history and building an amazing treehouse for his grandkids. Ray was an amazing storyteller and easily captivated an audience with his humor and charm. He was a lover of fine foods, and he was a grill master, proud to serve family and friends his famous pork loin. He was a man of integrity, who was loved and respected by his family and entire community. Ray will be deeply missed and those who knew him well will continue in his footsteps of generosity.
Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Odin is privileged to be assisting the family of Ray Woods with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 12, 2021, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Odin with Pastor R.C. Merten officiating. Friends are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Ray’s honor to the Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin and the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences and memories of Ray may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
He married Charlene Spicer on July 20, 1958, at Sandoval United Methodist Church and she survives in Odin. Survivors that will remember Ray’s dedication to his family and his community include his children Cherie (John) Teriet, Brent (Amy) Woods, and Tricia Woods (Paul Gierten); grandchildren Tyler Woods, Alyson Woods, Riley Martin, Kenzie Martin; brother Russell (Diana) Sandy; sisters-in-law Elaine Woods, and Barbara Williams; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Phil and Brenda Altadonna; and many nieces and nephews.
He was born on September 9, 1938, the son of William and Gruda (Phillips) Woods in Sandoval. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Adrian Sandy; mother-in-law and father-in-law Glenn and Lillian Spicer; siblings Jim Woods, Phil Sandy, Jo Lynne Harling, Beverly Wiseman, Wilma Leith and husband Stan Leith; brothers-in-law Emil Williams, Ken Spicer and wife Joan.
