Jeffrey Dean Woods

In 1983, Nancy and Jeff met in Huntington Beach, California. They married in 1985 and resided in La Habra, California. Jeff attended Cal State Long Beach where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration in 1986. Jeff served as the Athletic Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park and later, Unit Director. In 1988, they moved to Houston where Jeff worked as the Director of Operations for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. In 1993 his career led him to Nacogdoches where he served as President/CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas. During his time in Nacogdoches the club grew from the Nacogdoches unit to include eight clubs in seven counties serving over 6,000 youth.

Jeff served on many professional organizations where he held many positions, from Secretary to President. He received the Executive Director of the Year Award in 1999, the Jim Weatherton South Westerner Award in 2000, along with many other awards for his dedication, service, and contributions to the youth of East Texas.

Administering the clubs was just a small part of the joy Jeff derived from his position. He spent many hours actively engaged in the clubs. He mentored the children and helped kids who needed him the most. Jeff coached youth football as well as basketball and believed that every child could achieve their dreams.

Jeff has been an inspiration to the community through his ten year battle with esophageal cancer. His faith never faltered and he fought each day with courage and a smile. His personal motivation and perseverance was a daily reminder to all those around him that he was a fighter. He was grateful for the great team of doctors and care he received throughout his years at MDAnderson.

Jeff loved to travel and spend time with his family. His favorite activities included horse racing and attending many Houston professional sports events with his family. He loved his Astros, Rockets, and the Houston Texans. His hobby was collecting memorabilia from all sports. He was a devoted Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and friend to all.

Jeff is survived by his wife; Nancy Woods of Nacogdoches; daughters, Sarah Cepak and her husband Brad Cepak of Ennis, Kaitlyn Woods of Houston, Hailey Woods of Nacogdoches, and Madison Woods of Nacogdoches; grandchildren, Sophie and Cy Cepak of Ennis; mother, Darlene Woods of Fullerton California; father James Woods and wife Jeanette of Houston; sisters, Linda Nicholson of Temecula, California, Debbie Castillo of La Habra, California, Jayme Simpson and her husband Greg Simpson of Temecula, California; father in law, Bob Conner of Diamond Bar, California; sister in law, Lorrie Niemann-Pederson and her husband Terry Pederson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; brother in laws, David Conner and his wife Judy Conner of Riverside, California and Scott Conner of Wrightwood, California; numerous nieces and nephews.

Jeff is preceded in death by daughter, Allyson Mae Woods; mother in law, Mary Lou Conner; brother in laws, Armando Castillo, David Dunne, and Jon F. Neimann.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church at 2:00pm with Rev. Paul Sevar officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made to the Boys and Girls Club. P.O. Box 631345 Nacogdoches, TX 75963.

Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.