I apologize that my entry may be a little long, but I wasn't able to attend the funeral with my parents. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Woody since I was about 5 or 6 years old, I believe. I am now 25, and over that time frame I grew to know him and his wife, Mrs. Dugie, very well. They sort of became like another set of grandparents to me. We shared many birthdays, 4th of Julys, Thanksgivings, and Christmases together with all of our mutual friends. I LOVED it when Mr. Woody would take me into his wood shed where he did a lot of his 'piddling' and feeling like it was "Santa's Workshop" because of all the wooden figures he had decorating the shelves. I would get so excited when he would surprise me by letting me pick something out to paint 'all by myself'. He made me several wooden masterpieces over the years but some of my favorites were some track shoes (since I ran track in junior high and high school) that had inspirational quotes or something clever painted on them. Me and him could talk FOREVER about track and running. He would always tell me to "hug that line" when I was running a curve. I became an expert line-hugger. We had those shoes he made me on display in my home next to my medals up until we moved out of that house this month (December 2014). He also always had a joke to me tell me. Some I got, some ... I didn't, but they were all funny to me! I think my most memorable experience with him was the time where he not only made me my very first pair of stilts, but taught me how to walk on them. I tell you what, an hour or two later, I was walking ALL OVER the place on those stilts. I barely ever took them off! And the biggest smile would come across his face when he saw me trekking my little self across the yard over to where he was sitting talking to my parents. When I out-grew my first pair, he made me another set so I could keep on practicing. He would get the biggest kick out of watching me try something more daring like jumping in them or balancing on one foot ... and then busting my butt. But he always told me to keep trying and never to give up. Mr. Woody was such an amazing man, full of so much wisdom, joy, and unrelenting love for those around him. He was truly such a special individual and I am saddened the world lost such a gem, but happy to know heaven gained one heck of an angel. Mrs. Dugie, my heart goes out to you and your family during this time. 

All my love, Lauryn Blanton 
(Daughter of Sandy and Suzanne Blanton)

Many years ago, I was lucky enough to marry into the Williams family and Woodie became my brother in law.  I loved him the minute I met him and he became even dearer to me as the years went on.

His heart was huge, his sense of humor second to none, and his morals and ethics were an inspiration to all who knew him.

We will all miss him dearly.

Woodie was a wonderful person.  He was an example and inspiration to his students and friends.  I'm sorry for you loss Dugie.

As a teacher with quite a few years of experience, I had a 'wait and see' attitude when Mr. Woodson came to Lindale to be my principal. But, one day soon after school started, I stepped outside my classroom to put out my lunch count, what I witnessed forever endeared him to me. The halls were completely empty, with the exception of Mr. Woodson as he knelt down and put his arms around a tiny, weeping 3rd grade boy who was lost. I heard him reassure the boy, wipe his eyes and then take him on an impromptu tour of the building. As they turned away I could hear the little boy giggling at something Woodie had said. I realized then, that this man had EACH & EVERY child in his heart. And, from that day on, no matter what happened, I would remember that moment and be glad that I worked for a man that put children first. He had high expectations, was supportive, charming, kind hearted  and occasionally exasperating! And, I loved him. Your family will be in my prayers.

Woody was a great mentor to me in high school and a great friend since then.  Boo and I send our heartfelt prayers to Dugie and family on your loss.  We love you and know he will be missed by many.  I only regret we cannot attend but our thoughts and prayers are with you always   Love, Marsha and Boo Buchheit

Very sorry for your loss.
  The Hamilton Family 
  Melissa, John,& Morgan

I'm sorry for your family loss. Mr. Woodson was one of the GREATS!  When I think of him I think of a HUGE smile ang HUGG for students as we rushed into the school each morning.  Always telling us we could do and be anything we wanted!!  He helped me as an eight year old diagnosed with type 1 diabetes cope and be brave enough to hold my head high during a  scary time. He will always be in my heart!!  Prayers for you all.

Dugie, our hearts go out to you and your family.  Woodie was a great man.
Loved hearing his stories and a great wood maker.  He will be missed!

Coach Woodson was very kind and encouraging to a somewhat shy student in his history class in Forney, and little things have reminded me of him over the years...seeing the Korean Memorial in Washington DC, reading the Gettysburg address that he had us memorize, meeting someone else named Woodie!  I am so sorry for your loss, and know that the many that he touched are thinking of you now.

Nanny and my family are saddened by the loss of Woodie. He will be missed at the Cousin's Reunion. Nanny sends her love. Travis, Carol, Stella and Sean

Wish I could be there for you and your family. God Bless.

He was wonderful to work for and so caring ,,,,He will be missed...

I was a young girl coming to a new school in Forney way back in about 1984 and I was very nervous.  The principle was the one who set the tone and it was Mr. Woodson back then and he made it all very comfortable with a big smile and a welcoming feeling in the school.  Happy teachers meant happy kids.  I would give anything to have that same ease today for my children. And yes, that big fort no one will ever forget...So sorry for your loss of a great man... Peace be with you all.  Cari McCrary Puckett

Mr. Woodson was my first principal. I was very fortunate to be one of his teachers at Forney Elementary School.  He was so kind & supportive; a big man with a big heart.

So sorry to hear about your loss. I have know "Coach" Woodson all my life! I took swimming lessons when I was a child from him at the Hawkins pool. Then many years later I moved to Forney and to my great surprise he was my children's principal and had the awesome privilege to work for him. He will be missed!

I will always remember our trips through the fields near FHS pushing the 7-man blocking sled with Coach Woodson riding up on top of it--urging us onward and wondering if he would ever let us turn around and head back.  A great man, coach, and principal and colleague for my dad at FISD.

Woody is on my Mount Rushmore if men who have a positive influence on my life.  He taught me to win and never give up.  Those lessons in high school has molded my decisions in my life.  I owe so much to this man.  He was a father to me when I had no father.  I will forever remember his smile, his strength, and compassion.

Dear Woodson family, I was so blessed to have had "Woodie" as my principal at Forney Elementary School.  He made coming to work so fun!  "FES is best" will always be remembered. May God be with all of you at this difficult time. You have my deepest sympathy.

To Mrs. Dugie and Family and to my high school teacher Mrs. Mary Pace: Our prayers go out to you and may God strengthen each of you in the days ahead! I am so glad to have been a teacher under "Woodie" in Lindale! He always surprised us at Christmas with wooden handmade crafts! I am grateful for his leadership and, later his mentorship and friendship. As I grew in education he would call and check on me and occasionally I would call him. We laughed and both enjoyed talking about "the good Ole days" with our family from Velma Penny. What a man to remember!!!

My heart hurts for the loss of such a wonderful man. What fun we had working for Mr. Woodie. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. He was loved by the kids and faculty.

Fantastic man who left a smile on the face of everyone privileged to know him. My prayers are with you all.
Carla Warren

I'm sorry to hear the news about Coach Woodson, he was a man of values and morals and a role model for many of us young men in Forney. He will be missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to Jay and his family during this time.

Thank you, Mr. Woodson, for being an inspiration to your students at Forney Elementary School and creating the excitement each time we yelled, "FES is Best!" Many fond memories and imaginations grew on that gigantic fort you built for our playground. We were so blessed to have you in our lives.

Woody is one of my heroes. He was a good teacher and coach. I have many fond memories of workouts and games at Grapevine High School with him. He is one of the reasons I went into coaching and teaching. I will miss him forever. Jay Starnes  GHS 1965

Tuesday, December 02, 2014
Dugie, I'm so sorry. Woody meant so much to me as a mentor and encourager. He was a great man who took a big bite out of life...an exemplary educator and devoted family man. Our loss; heaven's gain.

Some of the best memories I have from being a teacher are those when "Woody" was my principal.  God Bless you and your family.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF SUCH A WONDERFUL,LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER AND FRIEND.  MY HEART, LOVE AND PRAYERS TO WOODY'S FAMILY!!
I LOVE YOU ALL!!
SUE VICKERY

OBITUARY

Jimmy Edward Woodson

January 30, 1933 – November 30, 2014

Tyler Memorial Funeral Home - Cemetery and Mausoleum

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