William “Melvin” Woods, 95, of Bluff City, went home to be with his Lord on January 15, 2019. Melvin was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County, born and raised in Bluff City. He was the son of the late Millard “M.E.” Sr. and Lizzie Woods. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, M.E. Woods Jr. and Earl T. Woods.
Melvin was a faithful member of First Christian Church of Bluff City since 1939. He was a farmer, gardener and beekeeper on the farm where he was raised. He enjoyed feeding and caring for the wild animals and being outdoors. He entered the Army on August 11, 1943 and was stationed in GA, FL, WI, NY, and MS. In Europe, he served in the countries of England, France, Luxemburg, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Following his discharge in November of 1945, he attended ETSU where he received his Master of Arts degree.
Mr. Woods taught school in Sullivan County at Fort Robinson, Chinquapin, Bluff City Elementary and Bluff City Middle School before retiring in 1977 with 30 years of service.
Those left to cherish his memory include his nephew, Carl D. “Sonny” Woods and his wife, Ann, his niece, Connie Adams and her husband David, of Bluff City, great-niece, Kimberly James and her husband Jeremy, great-great-nephew, Cooper James, and great-great-niece, Bellamy James, all of Piney Flats. He also leaves behind special friends, Marvin and Patsy Melvin and Judy Parker among many other friends. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff at Sycamore Shoals Hospital, Caris Hospice and all the caring staff at Ivy Hall Nursing Home.
The family will receive friends at Tetrick Funeral Home of Bluff City from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 18, with a celebration of life service to follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Ron Whitacre officiating. The graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 19, at Glenwood Cemetery. Military Honors to be accorded by the United States Army and the Carter County Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be the Elders and Deacons of First Christian Church of Bluff City. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Bluff City, at 12 p.m. Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. Those wishing to express sympathy or share special memories with the family may do so by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the online guestbook.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Bluff City, has the honor to serve Mr. Woods and his family. Office Phone: 423-538-7131. Obituary Line: 423-543-4917.