Carl L. Woods

Carl Louis Woods, 89, of Pellston, died September 10, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital following complications from an automobile accident.

Carl “Woody” was born January 3, 1936, in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, the son of Mildred Spears. He was raised with his three brothers and sister in Arizona.

He joined the United States Navy shortly after high school and proudly served his country until honorable discharge in 1975. Woody was a Senior Chief E-8 in the U.S Navy. Carl was designated as a Machinist, Aircraft Mechanic, Flight Examiner, Load Master, and Flight Engineer. He served briefly in the Korean War and in the Vietnam war he flew six years of combat missions on C-118 and C130 transports into Vietnam flying troops and machinery, later transferring to the helicopter mine sweeping squadron. Mine sweeping both the Haiphong Harbor, Vietnam and the Suez Canal. Carl also served on the USS Edisto in Antarctica.  

While in the Navy, Carl met the love of his life Janice Diot. They were married on May 21, 1955. Due to their time in the service, the Woods family moved frequently and lived in many communities, until settling in Pellston to be closer to Jan’s family. 

Woody was a deeply religious man. His faith was always very important to him. He was an active member at New Life Pentecostal Church of God in Alanson for 45 years and taught Sunday school for over 30 years.

He also loved going to sporting events to cheer on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Woody was very lovingly connected to his family.

He is survived by his children Carlton “Buddy” (Ruth) Woods, Tammie Green, Jody (Jennifer) Woods, and Jalene Woods; foster children, Tom (Angie) Pugh, and John (Stephanie) Pugh; grandchildren Natasha (Rashad) Adderly, Colin (Michelle) Green, Drew (Erin) Lovaasen, Trevor (Amanda) Green, Derek (Lily) Woods, Jennifer Woods, Katie (Leenil) Noel Woods, Chase (Kalyn) Woods, Lance and Brody Woods; great-grandchildren Carson, Denver, Logan, Grant, Jackson James “JJ” and Seaver; his best friend and companion Berda Jones Garvey; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jan; and siblings, Denver, Levada, Darwin, and Jerry.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at New Hope United Methodist Church (4516 US-31, Levering, MI 49755) at 11:00 a.m. with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Pastor Dan Davis will officiate. Interment will take place immediately following the service at the McKinley Township Cemetery in Pellston.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Petoskey.

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