Mr. Martin Anderson Woods

Martin Anderson Woods, born to Clyde and Lora Woods on December 12, 1924 in Bentonia, Mississippi, departed this life on November 30, 2019 at the age of 94. A resident of Dallas since 1935, Martin was married to his childhood sweetheart, Marvin "Dugga " Marie Johnson at the age of 18 and it lasted for 50 years. She preceded him in death, as well as his parents, two brothers, a sister, and his loving companion of 23 years, Melba Frazier. He is survived by his daughters Donna Marie Barron (Don) and Karen Darlene Rodgers; grandchildren Jill Darlene Cartwright (Chance), Joel Martin Barron (Katie), Wendy Noelle Hannon (Louis), and Samuel Nathan Thornton (Michelle); great-grandchildren Cody, Chandler, and Collin Cartwright, Drew and Alex Barron, Austin Black (Kristin), and Christian and Anderson Thornton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martin attended Forest Ave. High School, graduated second in his class, was awarded a scholarship in SMU, and entered SMU at the age of 16. He left SMU in his second year to join the Army Air Corps pilot training, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, and flew an airplane to Europe at the age of 19. He joined the 441 Troop Carrier Group and flew his first mission on D-Day. He spent 21 months in Europe and participated in seven major battles, was awarded the Air Medal with Cluster, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Victory Medal. He was among the first American troops into Berlin and in occupation for six months. He remained the Army Reserve and flew F-80 jets before discharge as a Captain.

Martin re-entered SMU School of Engineering in 1945 and graduated in 1948 with Honors and a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked in the motion picture industry for over 49 years as a Construction Engineer, supervising planning, construction, and purchase and installation of equipment for theaters in Texas and a dozen other states for Interstate Circuit Inc., ABC Interstate Theaters, Plitt Theaters, and Cineplex Odeon Theaters. He also served as Executive Vice President of Modern Sales & Service. He was a member of Variety Club of Texas, a member of the VFW, AmVet, and American Legion. He was a long-time member of Irwindell Methodist Church and taught young adult class, chaired two building committees, and was a past member of the Board of Stewards and Trustees. His greatest loves were family, friends, work, bird hunting, golf, sports and Scotch whiskey. He will be greatly missed.

There will be a graveside service for Martin at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas on Friday December 6, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.