John Miller Woods, 91, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and devoted friend to many, passed away on July 7, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Johnny, affectionately known as Woodsie, will be remembered for his kindness, cheerful sense of humor, abiding sense of optimism, and love of family. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 2, 1933, he was the second son of Wilson O. Woods and Mae Miller Woods. Johnny, his beloved brother, Billy, and their neighborhood friends spent many wonderful days exploring Pinewood Circle, living out boyhood dreams by foot and on horseback. He attended the Charlotte City schools and was in the first graduating class of Myers Park High School in 1952, where he was captain of the football team. After attending Presbyterian College, Johnny moved from working in retail for Ledford’s and Mellon’s department stores to representing Levi Strauss and Joseph and Feiss Co.

A natural-born salesman, he repeatedly was chosen “salesman of the year” as he joyfully traveled the Carolinas for 23 years. His infectious enthusiasm was reflected in his introduction, “Woods is the name, selling is the game!”

Johnny’s greatest joy and love of his life was his beautiful wife, Martha Blackwell Stone. Having met in grammar school, they were high school sweethearts, dated for 10 more years, and married on July 26, 1958. For almost 66 years, their faithful devotion to one another and to family has served as an anchor in weathering the storms of life. “Family is everything” was their guiding principle as they were intentional and generous in planning family gatherings and opportunities to be together.

Over the years, whether he was telling jokes, playing golf, fishing, or enjoying a lively, all-night game of cards with his “Bible Study” group, Woodsie enthusiastically relished life’s moments. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of sharing in his laughter and zest for life.

In Charlotte, John was a lifelong member of Myers Park Methodist Church. As a founding member of the Wesleyan Sunday school class, he worked faithfully with their signature ministry of providing for needy families at Christmas. Active at the Homeless Shelter and Urban Ministries, Woodsie sought to share with others the blessings of his life.

In 2017, John and Martha moved to Nashville to be closer to their children, Johnny and Bonnie. The St. Paul became their second home, and St. Stephens Valley their church home, where they have been blessed by love, support, and dear friendships.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Martha; his son John and daughter-in-law Lisa Lancaster; daughter Bonnie Heim; grandchildren Abigail and RJ Cook, Avery and Jake Hiser, Lily Woods, Drew Lancaster, Maddie and Ryan Deveikis, and Nicholas Heim and Faraz Ali; great-granddaughter Ivey Deveikis; sister and brother-in-law Suzanne and Curtis Baggett; and many nieces and nephews.

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