Arthur R. Woods, 91, of Franklin, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2010.
Born in Tama, IA, he was the son of the late Marion P. Woods and Ethel A. Ray of Tama. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Woods and step grandson, Jeremy Ritchey. Art began his adult life as a Line Bore Operator at the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors Plant just outside Chicago, IL helping to build locomotive diesel engines and later naval ship engines during WWII. Art volunteered for military duty at the start of WWII and was selected for the Air Cadet Program where he earned his Navigator wings in the summer of 1945. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant but never saw overseas duty due to the end of WWII and was released from the military on December 18th, 1945. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. After spending many years in White Hall, IL as an electrician, Art moved to Sarasota, FL and was an electrician for the Florida Department of Transportation, Sarasota Maintenance Division. Art retired in Bradenton, Fl and moved to Franklin, NC in 1996. He was a member of the American Legion Post 108; The Antique Automobile Club of America; Antique Motorcycle Club of America and the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marlene; a son, Jim Woods and wife Paula of Clyde, NC; two step children, Mike Ritchey and wife Linda of Acworth, GA and Mark Ritchey and wife Edda of Bradenton, FL; three grandchildren, Kimberly Koennemann and husband Peter of North Port, FL, Christine Woods of Arlington, VA and Hailey Woods of Atlanta; four step grandchildren, Matthew Ritchey of Acworth, GA, Tara Duffy of Palmetto, FL, Alexandra Ritchey of Atlanta and Ryan Ritchey of Bradenton, FL and two great grandchildren, Alyssa Duffy of Palmetto, FL and Tracy Koennemann of North Port, FL.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30pm Monday, April 26 at Macon Funeral Home prior to a 3:00pm Funeral Mass at St. Francis Catholic Church. Father Tien Duong will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama, Iowa.
Memorial donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Carolinas Chapter, 5019 Nations Crossing, Suite 217, Charlotte, NC 28217 or Angel Hospice General Fund, 170 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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