FRANKLIN
William G. “Bill” Woods passed away peacefully on October 9, 2021 at the age of 91.
Bill was a lifelong resident of Franklin. He was born on August 15, 1930 to Raymond C. and Martha Ellen (Cox) Woods. He married Carolyn Ann (Swain) Woods on February 10, 1952, at Lizton Christian Church, Lizton, IN. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and wife of 67 years. He is survived by their 3 daughters; Connie (Glenn) McAlpin of Franklin, Cindy Greer of Indianapolis, and Catherine (John) Shergi of Franklin; grandchildren, Nikolai Shergi of Franklin, Jennifer (Tony) Shireman of Franklin, Michael (Alicia) Greer of Indianapolis, and Stephanie (Brandon) Kaiser of Indianapolis; and four great-grandchildren.
Bill graduated from Franklin Community High School in 1948. He then attended Franklin College, and later Purdue University — School of Agriculture, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was a member of Kappa Delta Rho Social Fraternity and Alpha Zeta and CERES Honorary Fraternities. As a student, he was involved in the FFA and held the Hoosier and American Farmer Degrees. He was the FFA Indiana State Secretary from 1949-1950 and State President from 1950-1951. He had been named a distinguished Purdue Ag. Alumni and had received the Kiwanis Rural Life Award. His picture hangs in the Purdue Student Union Hall of Fame.
Shortly after getting married and graduating from Purdue, Bill entered the U.S. Army. He had basic training at Third Armored School in Fort Knox, KY — specialist training at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Personnel Specialist School. Bill went on to serve in the Signal Corps at Fort Meade, MD, and was later honorably discharged as a Corporal in January of 1955.
Bill was an active member of society all around Franklin. He was a lifelong member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and Elder. He was also active in the local CERES Farmer Club and had served as President. Additionally, he was a board member of the Johnson County Soil & Water District for many years. He had served as board secretary and received the outstanding supervisor award. Bill was also a 50 year member of the Masonic Union Village Lodge #545.
A lifelong farmer, Bill actively participated until his retirement in 2015. In the 1960s, he designed and built one of the first grain elevators with overhead grain bins in the area.
He especially enjoyed flying his 1946 Cessna 140 off the grass strip on the farm. Bill completed his lifelong dream in 1990 by earning his Private Pilot’s License w/ Tailwheel Endorsement. He later inspired a love of flight in both Grandsons. Bill also enjoyed boating, and several other hobbies at various times.
The family’s heartfelt thanks to the tireless efforts of caregivers Sandra Moore and Elaine Williams, the entire Brookdale Hospice team and the nurses and staff of Indiana Masonic Home Rapid Recovery group.
Friends may call on Thursday, October 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 677 W. State Road 144 in Franklin. Rev. Brandon Jolley will conduct a Celebration of Bill’s life on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franklin Community High School FFA Chapter (2600 Cumberland Dr, Franklin, IN 46131), or to Hopewell Presbyterian Church.
Online condolences and other expressions of kindness are appreciated at www.flinnmaguire.net
