Richard Edward Woods Sr. was born on September 15, 1943 in Lansing, Michigan. The oldest of six children, he is the namesake of his maternal grandfather Richard Woods of Cave City, Kentucky.

After graduating from J.W. Sexton High School, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Army and received a honorable discharge in 1967. Thereafter, the family returned to Michigan. He was the second black housing inspector in the City of Lansing and became a successful independent contractor spanning a period of 30 years.

In 1984 he was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His devotion to Christ eventually led to his ordination as a Deacon at Reachout Christian Center Church.

He was a true pillar in the family and the community. After battling many health challenges during the last several years, Richard Edward Woods, Sr. transitioned peacefully from this life on October 18, 2024.

He was preceded in death by: his mother, Marie (Woods) Cosey; father, Robert Chaney; wife, Mary (Verser) Woods; brothers, Ernest Woods and Ronald Woods; sisters, Ernestine Woods and Sheletha Woods.

He is survived by: children, Marie "Toni" Woods, Angela "Minnie" Woods, Angeletta "Fats" Woods, Evangeline McClinton, Gesela Renee Woods, Richard (Anika) Woods Jr. and Idris (Sonia) Woods; 20 grandchildren; 50 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; brother, Mohammad Wayne (Linda) Woods; step brother, Ernest (Barbara) Scott; brothers in-law, Marvel (Sally) Verser, Wyvonne (Anne) Verser, Perry Verser, Tim Verser; sisters in-law, Jean Woods and Icy Verser; and a host of other family members.

Arrangements for Mr. Woods are as follows: