Raymond Pool Woods Jr.

Raymond Pool Woods Jr.

November 04, 1947 - January 27, 2018
San Juan Capistrano CA

Raymond Pool Woods Jr.

November 04, 1947 - January 27, 2018
San Juan Capistrano CA

Obituary

Raymond Pool Woods

November 4, 1947-January 27, 2018

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather Raymond Woods was born in San Diego on November 4, 1947, and died peacefully at home on January 27, 2018.  He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Amy; daughter, Lisa; her husband Mark Mantel; granddaughters Amara and Liana; sisters Judith Rae Woods and Nancy L. Baumgardner; and brothers Donald Mason Woods and Murray Lee Woods.  He was preceded in death by his son Ronald Martin Woods and  daughter-in-law Kelly Woods; and his father Raymond Pool Woods, Sr. and mother Lodema A. Woods.
An accomplished pianist, organist, and harpsichordist, Ray had a long career in music education and choral conducting.  He also greatly enjoyed his opportunities to work with instrumentalists at his schools and in his concerts.  He fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for the last year of his life.  He will be missed by all whose lives were touched by his music and by his love for teaching.
A memorial service will be held at Garden Grove United Methodist Church, 12741 Main St., Garden Grove (714) 534-1070, on Friday, February 2, at 11:00 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Garden Grove United Methodist Church music ministry or the SouthOrange County School of the Arts (SOCSA) vocal music department.

 

 

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: February 2, 2018 (11:00 AM)
  • Venue: Garden Grove United Methodist Church
  • Location: 12741 Main Street Garden Grove, CA 92840 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (714) 534-1070

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57 responses to Raymond Pool Woods Jr.

  1. Janis Chou says:

    Without choir, I wouldn’t have survived high school from day one, and you made all this possible. Thank you for telling me “You sing well for an Alto,” and that gave me courage and strength to go through everything else when I first came abroad. I was insecure and terrified of my surroundings, but with those words I built confidence, and I felt so much better about myself, knowing I still have something to hold on to. I was able to make friends, correct my accent bit by bit while practicing songs, and to continue my love for singing. You took me in, guided me through music, and made me feel right at home.
    Choir pretty much sums up my four years of high school, and I could not ask for a better director. To our dearly beloved Mr. Woods, thank you from the bottom of my heart, and may you rest in peace.

  2. There are so many great things I can say about Raymond Woods. Everything from the tiniest of passing conversations, to life advice you will never forget. This man did more than just teach music, he taught everyone he knew how to be happier. Every superhero has their kryptonite. Just like every superhero has people that look up to them. Mr. Woods was that super hero. And we shall be singing the music he gifted to us forever.

  3. Our thoughts and prayers go to Ray Woods and his family today. We knew Ray when our daughter, Tamara, attended DHHS and were involved in those years in SOCSA for 2003 to 2007. Our daughter was in the dance section. Ray was a constant beacon to us – as I watched and worked with him, he showed an endless ability to teach, share his knowledge and expertise and talents helping steer the SOCSA Foundation along with full teaching and productions. It seemed like he endlessly played the piano through so many concerts, there to lead groups in singing, there to see that choirs were able to go on tours in the US, in Europe….just so many memories to think of, and we will ever be thankful to him, to his willingness to mentor where needed. I, we, thank you Ray for the memories and good you have left with us….we will carry on to the best of our abilities to make you proud.

  4. Laurie held says:

    What a great man, a beacon for so many SOCSA kids. His patience and knowledge and dry sense of humor will be cherished forever by this family. Rest In Peace Ray and thank you for ur wisdom and kindness

  5. Gerrie Adams says:

    To a wonderful man who gave so much of himself. The music world here on earth is less rich for his leaving. We pray he is with our maker and in a much better place. I pray his family is comforted in this time of transition.

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