Bruce Ernest Woods

Mr. Bruce Ernest Woods, 59, of Swainsboro passed away Friday, August 2, 2019 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Mr. Woods was born December 19, 1959 in Millen, GA. to the late Ernest Benjamin Woods and Louise Larisey Woods.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Irvin Woods; sister, Ernestine Kersey; nephew, Benji Woods.  Bound to be an entrepreneur at a young age, Bruce sold fat lighter bundles and sage straw brooms out of his wagon in the neighborhood.  Before he was old enough to reach the countertop, he stood on a milk crate while working at Wilkes Fish Market.  While there, he graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1977 at the age of 16 and saved enough money to buy his first car.  The yellow, 1963 Buick was the first of several “souped up” muscle cars he purchased to race with the boys down main street.  Bruce worked at Fulghum Industries as a crane shop foreman and certified welding inspector while there he redesigned a crane that is still in use and the patent has his name on it. Later he became owner of Economy Auto Sales & Service. He then worked for Plant Vogel units 3 & 4.  Bruce received his pilot licenses on May 24, 2007. His book, Where the Boys Are: Memoirs of a Broken Soldier, was published by Author House Publishing on November 1, 2007. He was a member of Swainsboro Masonic Lodge # 244, Alee Shrine Temple and Swainsboro Moose Lodge.  Bruce enjoyed life, his family and laughter, although most people never saw him smile.  As his final act of unselfishness and kindness, he became a tissue donor with Life Link as he went to his final home in Heaven.  Throughout his life, he set the standard of what a daddy and papa should be.  The lessons he taught and the impact he had on so many lives, including children not of his own, forever live on as his legacy. 

Survivors include his daughters, Becky Riner (Ben Brown), Emily Woods Smith (Eric) both of Swainsboro, Taylor Singleton (Joe) of Clarksville, TN., and Raquel Leah Woods (Gerry Evans) of Newport, NC.; son, Joseph Woods (Makayla) of Albany; special nephews/sons, Frank Woods, Jr. Edmond Marsh, Jr. both of Swainsboro; and Mitchell McMillan of Waynesboro; companion Pam Lashonda Meeks of Swainsboro; brothers, Frank Woods, Sr., and Ricky Woods (Genette) both of Swainsboro; sisters, Jinny Woods Peebles and Pat Lee (Randy) both of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Libby Riner, Gracin Smith, Tanner Smith, Braxton Woods, Addyson Brown, Lake Wilson, Abigail Smith, and Cooper Woods; fur baby, Bella; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverends Jamie Archer and Morris Brantley officiating.

Interment will follow in the Old Canoochee Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday, August 5, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Frank Woods, Jr., Edmond Marsh, Jr., Mitchell McMillan, Daniel Sapp, Chris McCarty, and Jamie Blackwell

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospitals.                      www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/greenville/ways-to-give

The family will be receiving friends at 294 Mt. Shady Church Rd. Swainsboro, GA. 30401

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Bruce Ernest Woods, 59, of Swainsboro. 

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