Services Held for Paul Woods, WWII Vet – 100 Years-Old
Paul Woods - 1923 - 2023
Home Going Services were held for Paul Woods on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Prince of Peace Church of God In Christ, 669 Kensington Avenue, Buffalo; Elder Geoffrey Dockery, Pastor. The Wake was held at 11 a.m.; the Home Going Service followed at 12 noon, when the life and legacy of Mr. Paul Woods, was celebrated.
Paul Woods, a man whose coverage, resilience and unwavering spirit left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his loved ones. Born in Bazemore, Alabama on February 20,1923 to the late Anderson Sherman and Nora (files) Woods, Paul was a veritable beacon of strength and perseverance from the very start. He passed away on November 19, 2023, in Buffalo, New York, leaving behind a legacy that has transcended a century.
Paul’s journey was a testament to his fortitude, from walking ten miles to a one-room school house in his youth, to the United States Army during World War II. His bravery during the Pacific Theater campaign earned him three Bronze Stars and a Liberation of the Philippines Medal, a testament to his heroism and dedication. His service as a Truck Driver, delivering ammunition across Australia, was marked by narrow escapes and close calls, but Paul always believed, “A bullet knows no race, rank, or status. We were all brothers on the battlefield.”
After the war, Paul and his beloved wife, Mary T. Lucas, whom he married in 1947, moved to Buffalo, New York with their three children. Paul took job at Bethlehem Steel Corporation, where he worked tirelessly to provide for his growing family. His hard work and determination saw him through 31 years of service, until the plant’s closure. Paul’s commitment to his family was unwavering, as evident by the new home he and Mary built in Angola, New York in 1966. He was a firm believer in the power of education, often saying, “Eat hearty at the table of knowledge, and I am not talking about the dinner table!”
Paul’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the water of Yellow Creek in Alabama. Over the years, he was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church, and the Prince of Peace COGIC. His faith and love extended beyond his immediate family, as he and Mary became licensed foster care providers, receiving numerous awards for their love and care to troubled youth.
Later life, Paul was filled with recognition and honor for his service. On his 93rd birthday, he was presented with his long-lost WWII medals. Paul tells of having liberated the Philippines in LST990-boats, landing on the beaches under fire and waking up with gun powder instead of coffee in his metal cup. In 2017, he fulfilled his dream of returning to Australia, where he was hailed as a returning hero. He was featured in the Buffalo Naval Park’s movie “Two Wars: The Road to Integration,” and his story was included in a book on Black soldiers in WWII.
A lover of sports, politics, and the military, Paul was a man of many interests, but his greatest passion was his family. He was the proud father to sixteen children: Gwendolyn (Frederick) Eckles, Flora B. Woods, Rev. Paulette Woods, Theresa (Derrick) Woods-Powell, Darline Imes, Linnette Woods-Ingram, Duane, Vincent (Royda), Vendetter (Stan) Boddie, Raynard (Farrin) Woods. He was predeceased by Hilda Minter, Paul J., Pearl J., Theodore, Lennard and Thurman Woods.
He was the loving grandfather of 28, great-grandfather 18, great-great grandfather of two. He is survived by a beautiful family and many friends.
Paul was a man of courage, a man of determination, a man of honor, and above all, a man of love. His life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. He was a man among men, whose legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us. Thank you,