John Joseph Woods' Obituary
John Joseph Woods Jr. of Lakeland, TN, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the age of 81.
He was born July 25, 1944, to John (Jack) and Mildred Woods at St. Joseph Hospital in Memphis, TN. His early school years were spent at St. James School, later attending West Side High School and Christian Brothers; eventually joining the Navy at the age of 17, proudly serving his country until he was honorably discharged. After the Navy, Johnny worked as a member of Sheet Metal Local #14 and later worked as a Code Enforcement Officer for Shelby County Government until his retirement.
Johnny met his forever love, Faye Brigman, and after a whirlwind romance, married on July 15, 1967, and shared 59 wonderful years. They welcomed a son, John Joseph Woods (Jack) and later a daughter, Susan, completed their family. Johnny was a wonderful husband and a great father.
Johnny’s hobbies vary. He owned and raced the #3 Woods car all over the South: winning more than losing. He owned a Deer Club in Mercer, TN, and Duck Clubs in Crowder, MS and Elaine, AR. Johnny shared these hobbies with his best buddy, his son, Jack.
Later, he restored classic cars, a hobby he happily shared with his grandson, John Thomas. They made many memories by showing these cars at car shows in TN and KY. Johnny had set every Thursday aside for dad and daughter's time. Susan remembers these times fondly, “it was never boring with dad!”
John leaves behind to cherish fond memories, his devoted, loving wife, Faye; Son, Jack (Claudia) of Arlington, TN; and daughter, Susan (Michael) of Kannapolis, NC; one beloved grandson, John Thomas Woods (and partner Bailey) of Arlington, TN; 2 sisters, Randy Keith of Memphis, TN, and Mickey (John Williams) of Mason, TN; and a host of friends, relatives, and loved ones.
The visitation for Johnny Woods will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 AM. The funeral service will begin following a visitation at 11:00 AM, all in the Fireside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. The committal service will be held at Memphis Memory Gardens.
The family thanks the entire staff at Shelby Gardens, especially Krystal, and the hospice care he received. They were all compassionate and lovingly cared for Johnny. A special thank you to his friend, Francis Kane, for her love and friendship with Johnny.
Donations in Johnny’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
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