Mr. Willie L. Woods

March 8, 1949 – December 27, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear loved one, Willie L. Woods, who passed away in his sleep in the quiet, familiar surroundings of his Elkhart home on Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was 76.

He was born on March 8, 1949 in Brighton, Tennessee to the late Arthur and Lula (Lemons) Woods, Sr., and will be greatly missed and forever loved.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Mary Helen (Burrow) Woods, who survives him at home after 50 wonderful years together. Also left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Ms. Edna M. Redmond of Indianapolis, Ms. Gloria J. Woods of Elkhart, Mrs. Marguerite (Antione) Fowler of Elkhart, Mrs. Flora D. (Nathan) Harris of Elkhart and his brother, Mr. Walter L. Woods of Elkhart.

Additionally, Willie leaves behind his beloved children Derrick (Constance) Woods of Elkhart, Tramell (Lori) Woods of Indianapolis, Linda Kemp of Covington, Tennessee, Sheila Kemp of Memphis, Tennessee, Virginia Fraiser of Brighton, Tennessee, Cindy Echoles of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Paula (Marlin) Hartman of Indianapolis.

Included in the long list of those who will undoubtedly cherish Willie’s memory are his Aunt Pearlie (James) Green of Elkhart, Uncle Elvin (Ann) Woods of Middleton, Tennessee, Uncle Charles (Ann) Woods of Elkhart, and a loving host of grand and great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and a wealth of friends.

Preceding Willie in passing are brothers William Woods and Arthur Woods, Jr., and his son Kenny Kemp.

After moving to Elkhart from Tennessee, Willie worked several jobs until he found a home at Elkhart Brass, a national fire department accessory manufacturer. During his time there, he served as a machinist and worked in the maintenance department. After several decades there, Willie was blessed with the ability and health to retire.

Throughout his life, Willie cherished the time he spent with his family and friends, always joking and sharing memories of his childhood. He absolutely loved westerns, especially Gunsmoke, and enjoyed playing on the local Minority Merchants Softball Team and the Machinist Union Bowling League. He also enjoyed playing chess.

Willie was a man who happily shared his thoughts, his humor or a story about something he learned in life. He never held back on giving his opinion on just about everything! Although he is no longer with us physically, he still dwells deep in our hearts and we will always love him.

Services will be held at the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 802 W. Garfield Ave., Elkhart on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 12:00 noon, with visitation beginning there at 11 am. Pastor Danny Brown will officiate and burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart has been serving the family.