James Leon Woods Jr.
86, Clemson, S.C.
James Leon Woods Jr., 86, of Clemson, S.C., passed away after a short illness on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Greenville, S.C., surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren. He was born on Nov. 19, 1936, in Columbia, Miss., to Gladys Morrison Woods and James Leon Woods Sr.
After graduating from Columbia High School in 1954, he attended the University of Mississippi for two years, at which point he was admitted to the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry, from which he graduated in 1958. During his time in dental school, he met the love of his life, Joan Gertrude Wille of New Orleans at the wedding of a friend in New Orleans. Their short period of courting culminated with their marriage on Aug. 22, 1959.
Upon graduating from dental school, he joined the Army Dental Corps and rose to the rank of captain. Following his time in the Army, he entered the private practice of dentistry in Cleveland, Miss. After a few years of practicing general dentistry, he and Joan moved their then young family to Montreal, where he attended the Universite’ de Montreal and obtained his orthodontic certification. He practiced orthodontics for more than 40 years in Columbus, Miss., Gulfport, Miss., and Greenville, S.C.
He and Joan began their family with the arrival of Lee in October 1960. Their daughter, Lorrie, arrived shortly after in February 1962, followed by Andy in May 1965. To their surprise, Will arrived in August 1972.
In addition to being a very skilled and successful orthodontist, he had many interests and was very involved in his community and his church. He served for many years, including as chair, on the boards of the YMCA of Columbus, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, N.C., and the Rotary Club of Columbus. He had a beautiful voice and sang in many choirs and quartets as well as around the house on a regular basis! He was a kind, generous and humble leader that many people in his professional and personal circles looked up to and admired.
Notwithstanding all of his professional accomplishments and community involvement, he prioritized and treasured his family above all else. He was a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Andy Jones.
Survivors include his wife, Joan Woods of Clemson, S.C.; sons, Lee Woods (Donna) of Clemson, S.C., Andy Woods of Columbia, S.C., and Will Woods (Kelly) of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Lorrie Jones of Clemson, S.C.; seven grandchildren, Sarah Woods Fox, Sam Woods, Megan Jones Reno, Drew Jones Schofield, Daniel Jones, Ben Woods and Abe Woods; and three great-grandchildren, Mira Woods, Jack Reno and Audrey Fox.
He will be interred at a ceremony for the family and close friends in the Columbarium at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, N.C., overlooking the peaceful Blue Ridge Mountains, which he loved.
