Jack Woods

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Jack Crayton Woods, 92, of Belleville, IL, born June 2, 1929, in Eldred, IL, died Monday, December 6, 2021, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.

Jack was born and grew up in Eldred, IL, and wrote a book about it. His 4th year of high school was in Carrollton, IL where he met Carrol Reno, and they were married for 70 years. Jack and Carrol were partners in many adventures including, sailing the Caribbean and the Chesapeake Bay with CSA friends. They belonged to the Carlyle Sailing Association for over 20 years. He loved to cruise, as well, and took the whole family on a cruise in 2011 to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. He also enjoyed spending time with very special friends at the Red Coconut in Ft. Myers Beach. Jack worked for many years as an attorney before his retirement. He was a United States Army Korean War veteran and served more than 42 years in active duty and the United States Army Reserve combined. Jack was a member of Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL, and a lifetime member of the Masons. He was proud of his military service, and he loved his family very much. He was a great storyteller and martini maker. Jack will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bradley Woods; his parents, Colonel Crayton “CC” and Nina, nee Chapman, Woods; and a sister, Lora Woods.

Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Carrol J., nee Reno, Woods, whom he married on September 22, 1951; a daughter, Barbara J. Woods of Edwardsville, IL; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Turner Woods; four grandsons, Bryan Woods, Bruce (Crystal) Woods, Bryce Woods, and Benjamin Woods; six great-grandchildren, Matt (Mindi) Weik, and Joe, Kiley, Braeden, Parker, and Presley Woods; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Smith.

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s ICU for the kindness and care shown to Jack and the family.

Memorials may be made to Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL, or to the National Federation of the Blind. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, 120 North Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, December 13, 2021, at Union United Methodist Church, 721 East Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220. Standard CDC guidelines will be followed, including masks and social distancing.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 13, 2021, at Union United Methodist Church, 721 East Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220. Masks are required.

Burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Condolences:

8 Comments on Jack Woods

Janie Kreis said : Guest Report Dec 22, 2021 at 10:39 AM

We met Jack in Fort Myers Florida. We were camping next to each other (but hadn't actually met) when my husband, Joe, suffered Sudden Cardiac Death in our motor home. The paramedics came and immediately took Joe to the nearest hospital. I was in my pajamas and hysterical. That is when Jack Woods offered me a ride to the hospital. It was dark and he had failing eyesight but he did not hesitate. I did not even get dressed as I was in such a panic. When we got to the hospital, Jack took his sweatshirt off and offered it to me to cover up a bit. I have thought about him many, many times since that. He was my Guardian Angel that night. Sincere condolences to all his family. How lucky you all were to have had him in your lives all those many years. He was my Hero that night. He actually gave me the shirt off his back!

  • West Bend
  • WI
Marsha Batscha said : Guest Report Dec 13, 2021 at 12:54 PM

My mother, Maxine Vorhies Grizzle, was a classmate in the Carrollton High School class of 1947, and always enjoyed visiting with him at alumni events. My sincere condolences to all of the family.

  • Springfield il
  • IL
Grace Moon said : Guest Report Dec 12, 2021 at 2:40 PM

Please accept my deepest sympathy. Jack was one of my favorite people. Sincere sympathy, Grace Moon

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Susan Gray said : Guest Report Dec 12, 2021 at 1:50 PM

Jack and Carrol Woods were friends of my parents since the 50's, and I have been a friend of their daughter for almost 50 years. it hurts to lose someone who has been such a constant in one's life. Jack was truly one of the best and brightest, devoted to his country, his friends, and his family. He was so smart, so kind, and so caring; and he accomplished so much in his life. But his accomplishments are reflected most importantly in the people whom he touched and loved and who loved him. there are few people in the world like Jack Woods. This is a great loss. My sympathies go to all of his family and to his friends, and I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself right now, too. I especially wish for comfort for his lovely wife Carrol and their daughter Barb, my good friend. This is a great loss. He was truly a great man. And a wonderful story teller.

  • Glen Carbon
  • IL
Linda Keller said : Guest Report Dec 09, 2021 at 10:18 AM

Jack was such a wonderful person. I will always be grateful for the memories I have of him. Deepest sympathy to Carol, Barb and family.

  • Edwardsville
  • I l
Dolores Stover said : Guest Report Dec 08, 2021 at 3:18 PM

Jack helped my husband begin his military career. Enjoyed fellowship with he and Carol at church. He was an honorable soldier and Christian man.

  • Cincinnati Ohio
  • Ohio
Deborah Kemp said : Guest Report Dec 08, 2021 at 2:07 PM

Sending healing, and comforting prayers. So sorry, for your loss.

  • Hazelwood
  • MO
Pamela S Warren said : Guest Report Dec 08, 2021 at 10:05 AM

Jack was a lovely man. My thoughts and prayers are with Carol and family.

  • Belleville
  • IL

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