David Allen Woods

Deeply committed to his family, David Woods’ life will be remembered as both loving and selfless. Born with an infectious personality, he was always one to look on the bright side of life and made everyone he met feel special. Equipped with quick humor to lighten the mood, an ability to empathize with others, and a hearty sense of adventure, David lived his life to the fullest. He leaves behind a rich collection of wonderful memories for all who knew and loved him.

Despite the Thirties being marked by tough economic times, the decade also saw an expansion of new technologies, especially in the fields of aviation, radio, and film. In 1937 for example, the Golden Gate bridge opened giving Americans renewed pride. In the same year, Amelia Earhart took off from Miami attempting to achieve a flight around the world. Bringing great joy to their world, George and Pearl (Armstrong) Woods welcomed home their newborn son, David on October 1, 1937, in Redford Township, Michigan. Born the youngest of five children, his birth brought them much promise in an ever-changing world.

Dave lived a typical childhood of the times where he was known to tag along with his siblings and get into his fair share of mischief. With both parents working outside of the home, his father, an electrician, and his mother, a registered nurse, the children were known to pitch in around the house. He attended the prestigious Cooley High School in Detroit before enlisting in the United States Air Force Reserves. During his early adulthood, Dave enjoyed his involvement with the Livonia Youth Symphony as an officer. Ambitious and dedicated, he also worked at General Motors in the mailroom and moved his way up to traffic manager during his thirty-six-year tenure with the company. His time with GM would prove to be more than financially stable, it also gets the credit for introducing him to the love of his life, Charlene Veatch! Little did they know that they were working on the very same floor together in the same division. It wasn’t until Dave’s car was in the repair shop that he joined Charlene’s carpool and the two of them met and hit it off! With each date, they fell more and more in love until he proposed!

Joining in marriage and eager to start a family of their own, they were filled with joy the day their sweet daughter, Sandy, arrived! Their first home was in Livonia near Schoolcraft and Inkster before they moved to a house near Six Mile and Merriman. When Dave’s job was transferred to the Flint area of Swartz Creek, they moved to Flushing. Dave continued to provide for the family through his work with GM which also afforded them an opportunity to build their dream home that backed up to the Flint River. The woods along the river became a wonderful wildlife retreat over the years, where they enjoyed seeing a variety of birds, deer, and fox. They enjoyed thirty-five remarkable years in that home making many lasting memories.

As much as Dave worked hard over the years providing for his family, he also treasured many special interests. He was very active in his social life and enjoyed bowling as well as playing golf every summer right up until this past fall season! Never shying away from a microphone, he loved to tell stories and was known to enjoy telling them whether they true or not! He loved to fill up any room with laughter! Dave was a proud member of the Flushing Lions Club and the Flushing Chamber of Commerce often getting involved with the planning of the local concerts in the park for many years.

His greatest satisfaction, however, came from the time he spent with his two grandchildren, Sarah and Evan! He and Char were thrilled to recently relocate to Livonia in an apartment right around the corner from their daughter, Sandy, and son-in-law, Wayne. They were especially pleased to find a unit that overlooked a beautiful wooded area and creek which reminded them of their property in Flushing. Gone more than thirty years from the place where their life together began, they marveled at the many changes in the Livonia area in their absence. While they missed their friends from the Flint area, they enjoyed reconnecting with longtime friends from their newlywed years. Described as easy going, kindhearted, and generous, Dave leaves behind a legacy of living life to the fullest. He deeply enjoyed being a family man and may his loved ones be comforted by knowing they were loved unconditionally over the years.

David A. Woods, age 81, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2018. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Charlene. He was the dear father of Sandra (Wayne) Jaslow. Proud grandfather of Sarah and Evan. He is survived by numerous special nieces and nephews, and dear friends. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 12 from 1 pm until the time of the memorial service at 5 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile, between Middlebelt and Merriman. For those who wish to make memorial donations, please indicate on your check, Flushing Lions Club, and mail to Leader Dogs for the Blind 1039 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 or make an online payment at leaderdog.org, and indicate Flushing Lions Club in the box provided.