Douglas C. "Holly" Woods Jr.

PHILLIPSTON- Douglas “Holly” Coleman Woods, Jr., age 57 of Phillipston, MA passed away from a prolonged illness of metastatic esophageal cancer on 28 June 2024 at his residence while under the care of Beacon hospice.

Douglas was born on 25 Oct 1966 in Wilmington, Ohio to Douglas Coleman Woods, Sr., and Judith Elaine (Sova).

He graduated from Howland High school in Warren, Ohio and immediately entered the United States Air Force, where he continued to serve his country for 21 years. During his service he was awarded the AF Achievement Medal, AF Commendation Medal w/ 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters (BOLC), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon w/ 1 Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 Bronze Star, AF Training Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award w/ 4 BOLC, AF Overseas Long-tour and Short-tour Ribbons, AF Outstanding Unit Award w/ 4 BOLC, AF Good Conduct Medal w/ 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, AF Expeditionary Service Ribbon w/ Gold Border and 1 BOLC, Master Command and Control Badge, Chief Host Aviation Resource Management, and Management of Aerial Port Operations.

During his first assignment at Plattsburgh AFB, NY, he met Karen (Lamkins), who he later married on 31 Oct., 1990 in Goldsboro, NC while stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB. His military career later brought them to Columbus AFB, MS, RAF Lakenheath, UK, and then Tinker AFB, OK, where he officially retired from the USAF.

Douglas had numerous hobbies, which included being a Jeep owner, building Legos, learning and researching paleontology, astronomy, the Civil War, history, trains, Star Wars, science-fiction platforms, completing jigsaw puzzles and watching any television program or movie that matched his witty, dry sense of humor. Doug also loved to read, for the simple sake of reading and gaining knowledge on a wide variety of subjects.

During his youth, he participated in Boy Scouts and held the honor of Eagle Scout and was a member of Order of the Arrow. He had many wonderful memories of the adventures with his father as scout leader and his friends. He also had a passion for music and played several instruments. He played trombone in the Howland High School marching band; also, the bass guitar, trumpet, ukulele, and especially loved playing the viola for the Oklahoma City Sinfonia Orchestra.

Douglas had a very eclectic personality and a witty, dry sense of humor. You either got it or you didn’t get it. When he laughed, he laughed from deep within.

Douglas is predeceased by his mother, Judith Elaine (Sova); brother, Anthony DiEugenio, Aunt, Becky (Joseph) Lynch; Aunt Joyce (Tom) Kollenberg; Uncle Phillip (Linda) Woods, Aunt Linda (Elton) Smith.

Survivors include his wife, Karen (Lamkins) from Phillipston, MA; daughter, Lara, from Youngstown, OH; parents, Douglas (Juliann) Coleman Woods, Sr. from Youngstown, OH; Uncle John “Mick” (Jody) Sova from OH, several cousins, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters in-law, and his German Shepherd companion, Topa Emeritus.

A small memorial service is planned on Wednesday, 3 July 2024 at 2 pm (EST) at the Winchendon Veterans Memorial Cemetery chapel located at 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

A come and go reception will immediately follow at their personal residence.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers; donations be sent to Beacon Hospice, 36 Williams Street, Leomister, MA 01453.

Rest peacefully, Starman.

Ad Astra!

Witty’s Funeral home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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