Edwin “Ed” Woods Sr., 84, died peacefully in his home on June 30, 2018.

Ed was born on July 6, 1933, in Delta City, to Bradford and Rubye (Nichols) Woods. After graduating Catchings High School in 1951, he attended Mississippi Delta Junior College before entering the U.S. Army for service in Korea in the enlisted ranks.

Upon returning from Korea, he continued his military service. Additionally, he began his civilian career in December 1956 at Southern Bell and retired from AT&T in December 1984. During his military career, Ed received numerous awards and commendations for his service. He rose to the rank of Colonel and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in December 1986.

On Jan. 7, 1985, he became employed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a civilian capacity at Waterways Experiment Station (now ERDC). He retired from that employment on Sept. 30, 2010.

Ed’s love of automobiles, tractors, and all things mechanical kept him busy in his retirement. His shop was his real home. Ed was also an avid deer hunter and enjoyed hours at his family hunting club near Rolling Fork. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Recently, he celebrated the marriage of his granddaughter, Destiny, to Petty Officer First Class Alexander L. Houchin, who is on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Most recently, Ed attended the Woods family reunion at Leroy Percy State Park in Hollandale, where he thoroughly enjoyed his time with cousins and family.

Ed is survived by his two sons, Edwin “Eddie” Woods, Jr. of Vicksburg, (spouse Renita S. Woods) and Kelly Len Woods of Fort Walton Beach, Florida (spouse, Jacqueline D. Woods); his brother, Joe Woods of Raymond; his three grandchildren, Destiny Woods Houchin (Alex), Tiffany Rawson (David) and Nicholas Laporte (Bess); and his six great-grandchildren, Beckett Rawson, Leah Laporte, Easton Rawson, David Laporte, Stephen Laporte, and Lennon Rawson. He is preceded in death by his wife, Billie June (Miller) Woods, his parents, and a brother Marlin Wayne Woods.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 7, 2018, at Glenwood Funeral Home in Vicksburg beginning at 12 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 2 p.m. Burial will immediately follow the service at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.