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.

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Joe Bonner says:

January 31, 2018

I am so grateful to have had Mr. Woods be such an influential part of my life. He has passed along so much knowledge to me, and the other students that have had the privilege of being taught by this great man, and he did it all by sharing his great passion for music. I will forever appreciate all that he has done for me, and wish him peace.

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1. Pierre Agamata says:
  
  February 1, 2018
  
  Nice words, Joe. Probably see you at the funeral if you are going.
  
  Reply
Joylinda says:

January 31, 2018

I will always remember the trips to Magic Mountain for Christmas concerts. I am happy that he is reunited with his son, Ron.

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Kate Papageorge-Schneiderman says:

January 31, 2018

Thank you, Mr. Woods. You gave so much of yourself to each of your students. I appreciated your talent, service, patience, and sense of humor so much and you were a source of stability and light in a dark and uncertain time.

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Kathy Antreasian says:

January 31, 2018

We’re thinking of your family during this difficult time!

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Katie Henness says:

January 31, 2018

Mr. Ray Woods. Im trying to find the words as my eyes fill with tears. To me Mr. Woods was my highschool choir teacher, mentor, fatherfigure, family friend, fellow Methodist, safe place and friend. He had patience with my spastic behavior that no other adult had for me at that time in my life. i have never sang more beautiful music than i did in his choir and i had been in choir since i was 5 years old. that music is still in my head. at the worst and traumatic time in my life my junior year i.was so lost and so scared. Mr. Woods let me sit under his piano because I felt safe there. I wouldnt talk and that was ok with him. i think he knew i felt safe under there and he let me be. That i will never forget. I also was blessed to be able to sing in both his choirs at Dana Hills and at Garden Grove United Methodist Church

I just had a lovely phone chat with my old friend Elliot Smith reminiscing about Mr. Woods made me realize he touched so many lives and we all have wonderful memories of him. Lets hang onto those happy .memories

You will be forever missed and forever loved.

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