David Brian Woods

Selfless beyond measure, David Woods lived his life to the fullest. A lover of all people, he made each and every person he met feel special. Known to hold doors open for perfect strangers, he modeled for others compassion and a humble heart for others in need. A practical joker and prankster, there was never a dull moment with Dave around. His generosity, as well as his love of his family, will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his close family and many special friends.

Reflecting on the year 1956, it was the year of Rock and Roll music sweeping the nation. Elvis Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan show for the first time, with his current hit, "Heartbreak Hotel" which claimed the charts for eight straight weeks. That same year, David Brian Woods was born to George and Margaret Elaine Woods on August 30, 1956, at Old Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. His father worked as a hydraulics engineer and later sold real estate. His mother worked as a school secretary with St. Maurice Catholic Church and the parish office and later at Seaworld in Orlando. Named after a favorite uncle and raised with four other siblings, David’s birth brought much joy and happiness into the family home.

Growing up in Livonia, Dave lived a typical childhood of the times. A member of Cub Scouts at a young age, he learned many valuable lessons which he used throughout his life. Palling around with his three brothers they were known to get into their fair share of mischief over the years. He and his brothers enjoyed riding mini bikes as well as carousing with their neighborhood friends. Dave grew up with a reputation that reflected the family name for generally taking risks and pushing one another to the limits of what by most would consider irrational or unsafe! For these reasons, the boys were especially close throughout their lives together. In hopes of keeping out of trouble or for repentance sake, Dave was an altar boy for St. Maurice’s Catholic Church and played football on his high school team. He grew up loving all sports, particularly his hometown teams of the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions, and University of Michigan football. He and his brothers enjoyed many years of hunting and fishing together with their father and never turned down an opportunity to work on their cars and motorcycles growing up. After graduation, Dave set off for military service, a dream he held since he was a child. Joining the United States Air Force, he proudly served as a flight line mechanic. After he was discharged from the service, he primarily worked as a machinist.

Dave married Pam and they were blessed with their daughter, Heather and her son, Jason who brought them great joy! After their marriage had ended he later married Kathy and the two of them raised their son, Cody as well as Kathy’s son, Jeremy. Dave was more than welcoming and accepting of his children over the years. He wanted nothing more than to see to it that they were both happy as well as successful. Any time they spent together, his heart was full. As a family, they enjoyed several memorable trips to Florida and camping in the beautiful northern region of Michigan. Dave’s greatest days were the days his family grew to include his delightful grandchildren! He felt blessed beyond measure to be a part of their lives and share with them his favorite pastimes of playing in the park and enjoying burgers at Bates Burgers! There simply wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family!

In addition to being a great provider over the years, Dave had many special interests. He was always willing to go to the gun range with anyone that would go along with him. He attended countless car and motorcycle shows over the years, eyeing the latest models and taking note on some of his favorites for future reference. He also enjoyed playing softball and cheering on his favorite teams in front of the television. Much like other die-hard Lions’ fans, he yelled loudly at the TV and survived many disappointing Sundays! When he wasn’t working on one of the family cars or riding his motorcycle, he devoured John Clancy books or enjoyed watching old Westerns starring John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. He also reminisced about his military years watching war movies and loved to watch NCIS as well.

Most remarkable about Dave was not his special interests or his hobbies but rather the tremendous spirit of compassion he modeled over the years. He was always more than willing to give anyone a ride to the store, to a doctor appointment, or complete their errands for them. He was selflessly giving of his time and resources to support others in their time of need. Proud of his family, especially his dad and his brothers, Dave loved to brag to others about their most recent accomplishments. Described as fun-loving, kind, and easy going, Dave’s presence will undoubtedly leave a void in the hearts of his special loved ones. May they always treasure the lessons and values he taught them, to be patient, to be giving, and to love unconditionally.

David B. Woods, age 62, passed away on September 4, 2018. He is survived by his daughter, Heather, his son, Cody and his two grandchildren, William and Elease, and his two stepsons, Jason, and Jeremy (Kelly), and step-grandson, Elijah, two brothers, Steve and Jon along with many cousins, and special nieces and nephews. 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.