Bobby L. Woods

Bobby L. Woods entered into this world on the blessed winter day of January 16, 1946, in Downsville, LA. The eldest son and 2^nd child of Mildred Woods, Bobby was known to close friends and family as “BoBo”. The nickname was given to Bobby from his fascination with Carl “Bobo “Olson, a World Middleweight Boxing champion who Bobby spent countless hours reading about and watching his matches on television. The Downsville community was filled with aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Cousins were like siblings and every aunt, uncle, and adult in the community was like another parent. His days as a youth were filled with family gatherings and fellowship.  Bobby was an independent and introspective child and united with the Lanes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at an early age under the pastorage of Reverend W.M. Bryant who was affectionally referred to as Black Angel.  Bobby received all his formal education in Union Parish and graduated from Eastside High School, Class of 1965.   In 1968, Bobby was drafted into the US Army serving two years of active duty and two years as Standby Reserve.  During his service, he was stationed at military installations in Germany and at Fort Dix, NJ among other locations.  While serving his country, he attained the rank of Sergeant(E-5) with several citations, medals, and commendations including the National Defense Service Medal and Expert Rifle Award.  In 1970, he was honorably discharged and returned home to Downsville. He remained there for exactly 7 days before venturing off to California to seek his fortune. He ultimately settled in Oakland, California where he met and united with Joanne Hall Woods.  To this union, his one and only son, Robert was born.  Robert was the apple of his eye and object of all hopes and dreams until he drew his last breath.  Bobby was known for his attention to detail and meticulous tendencies which served him well both professionally and personally.  He loved cars and amassed a collection of vehicles and motorcycles.  He enjoyed customizing and detailing them and envisioned one day designing and building his very own dream car.  This same precision and accuracy was the driving force for over 50 years of employment with Innovative Facility Services working at Macy’s Department Store as the Facility Supervisor.  He was known as a hard worker and perfectionist who never asked for more of those under his supervision than he was willing to give.  Bobby was a lifelong learner and enjoyed watching documentaries, discussing current events, and researching history. He loved gardening…planting fruit trees, greens, and other vegetables.  He loved country living and the simple pleasures. His return trips to Downsville were filled with not only the normal homecoming activities of reconnecting with family but time enjoying the cool breeze from a porch, listening to the birds, or just walking under the trees.  In his final days, he was embraced by loved ones via phone calls, hospital visits and Zoom. From his hospital bed, he even supervised a garden planted in his honor at the Louisiana homesite. He provided instructions and received pictures daily to track progress and forward movement. His garden produced greens, purple hull peas, tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, and squash.  A sign with his picture is there symbolizing his belief that if you work hard, you will bear witness to the fruits of your labor. One of his greatest joys was having his sister, Shirley travel from Louisiana to California to spend many of his last days by his bedside. Their conversations about the future and reflections on the “good old days” were a blessing to them both. Before his departure from his earthly vessel there were conversations of the afterlife and his communication with the Almighty. Before his transition, he joyfully mentioned his conversation with Christ and his delight at hearing Christ respond. Therefore, we, the family are at peace that he is safe in the master’s arms. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred A. Woods and his oldest sister, Willie Faye Jenkins.  He leaves to cherish his memories his son, Robert L. Woods of Oakland, CA, 3 sisters, Bobbie M. Ball of LaMarque, TX, Shirley W. Lewis of Grambling, LA, Angela G. Woods of Downsville, LA, 1 brother, Johnny W. Woods of Downsville, LA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and co-workers. If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 Viewing will be available from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 at Lanes Chapel Baptist Church 4511 Hwy Downsville, LA71245. Services are entrusted to Paradise Funeral Home 320 Martin Luther King Jr. Street Arcadia, LA