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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ANDREA & Darryl Garrett says:

February 1, 2018

Lighting a candle for love & support for Amy, Lisa, Mark, Amara & Liana.
Also to light a path for Ray.

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Britt Masters says:

February 1, 2018

Mr. Woods made SUCH an impact in my life while I was at DHHS. Rest in peace, may Christ’s light shine upon you.
You will be missed.

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Carlee Shackelford says:

February 1, 2018

Mr. Woods, thank you for being so dedicated to me and so many others throughout your career. So many of my favorite high school memories involve you. You are truly such an amazing person. I am so blessed to have known you, and I will miss you dearly!

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Elina G Pelikan says:

February 1, 2018

Woods! So thankful for the years in your class. You taught me so much about music and life, I wouldn’t be the same person without you.

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Erin Rettino says:

February 1, 2018

Ray Wood’s my heart breaks that you are not here. When you left this earth you left a palpable void. My faith teaches me that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. It is a comfort to know that your last breath in this life was surround by enormous love from your family, and your first breath in heaven was no doubt in the presence of Ron and your parents.

You sir, were one of my greatest and most influential teachers. Your passion and love for music and the riches that it brought to this world was inspiring. While we would go on to be colleagues, you never stopped teaching me. You taught me how to be a good teacher, gow to earn my students respect, hoe to conduct or answer the random music theory question. You loved your job and it showed in the passion your brought to work every day.

You not only made me a better teacher, you made me a better musician too. Always challenging me, always push to make each student better. What I saw after I was no longer a student but a coach at SOCSA was goe much you wanted to give every student a chance to shine…which is why all those SOCSA showcases were 11 million years long, lol, you were a softy. Turning away a student meant turning away what could be a life changing experience for that student, or the confidence booster they needed to shine in the wilds of high school. You wanted each of us to rise to our full potential and I will never forget that. The legacy you leave behind is one that has reached thousands. Not many people can say that.

You loved you calling, but even loved your family more. While you were a private man, in the moments of working side by side I learned just how much. Your 48 year marriage is a testiment to the love and devotion you had with Amy, and the way you beamed speaking about Ron and Amy you were a proud father. But you beamed even brighter when you spoke of your grandchildren. You loved all of them so much and I believe that love is never ending. I think the veil between heaven and earth is thin and I am sure they feel your love all the way from heaven!

I hope you are dancing with the angels, and organzing a glorious heavenly choral concert as we speak. I will miss you friend….till we meet again.

Erin

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