Johnnie Woods was born on September 15, 1941, in Goodrich, Texas, to the late John Henry and Eles Wright Woods and passed away May 26, 2026. As a young child, Johnnie was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Clarence and Margaret Wright, in Goodrich, Texas. He accepted Christ at an early age at New Hope Baptist Church and attended New Hope School.
In middle school, Johnnie moved with his parents to Cleveland, Texas where he attended Douglass High School and was a member of the Class of 1959. Johnnie was the oldest of nine children born to John Henry and Eles Woods.
On a blessed occasion in 1961, Johnnie was joined in holy matrimony with Molly Ritha Richard and became a practicing Catholic. Together they built a beautiful family and were blessed with five children: Dalfenia Woods, Darryl Woods Sr., Annette Woods, Antoinette Woods, and Dana Williams. Molly faithfully walked by his side until her passing in 2014. In 2017, Johnnie married Gloria Comeaux and they enjoyed joy and companionship in his later years that his family and friends were grateful to witness.
Johnnie answered the call of duty and proudly volunteered to serve in the United States Army from 1969 to 1973, completing three tours of service in Vietnam as a hand-to-hand combat instructor. He earned the rank of Sergeant and served as a Drill Sergeant before returning home with honor. His distinguished military service was matched by an equally impressive civilian career. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 30 years of dedicated service. He also owned and operated Woods A/C and Heating for over 25 years, serving his community with integrity and skill.
Johnnie joined St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in 1979 where his faith deepened over the decades. He was a proud 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus since 1992. A steadfast patriot and servant of his fellow veterans, he served as a longtime member and past Post Commander of VFW Hall #8568 in Livingston, Texas.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Eles Woods; his beloved first wife, Molly; his cherished daughters, Annette Woods and Antoinette Woods; and his brother, Clyde Woods.
To celebrate his life and mourn his passing, Johnnie leaves his wife, Gloria Comeaux Woods; his children, Dalfenia Woods, Darryl Woods Sr., and Dana Williams (Theron); his step-children, Shirley Davis, James Davis (Beverly), Sandra Davis, and Felicia Davis; his grandchildren, Portia Woods, Iyawna Woods, Darryl Woods Jr. (Kayla), Darrin Woods, Sydney Williams, and Shelby Williams; great-grandchildren, Devonte Williams, Alan Woods, Desmond Jones, Destinee Jones, and Aria Woods; and great-great-granddaughter, Mila Williams. He is also survived by his siblings, Jim Woods, Mary Alice Davis, McAurthur Woods, Clarence Woods (Olivia), Gloria Harrison, Jeannette Woods, and Bennie Woods (Linda), and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family members and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Livingston, Texas with a viewing from 1-2 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.
