Lonnie Ray Woods

Lonnie Ray Woods
Sept. 13, 1940—July 29, 2022
Lonnie, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at age 81 while surrounded by family on July 29, 2022. Lonnie was a resident of Oregon for 43 years and later lived in Vancouver, Washington, for 38 years. He is survived by his wife, sister, six children, one step-child, 19 grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
He was born in Cassville, Missouri September 13, 1940, to Francis J. Woods and Evelyn R. (Holliday) Woods. After about eight months in Missouri.
Lonnie and his family lived in both Kinzua and Condon, Oregon, attending school in Fossil, Oregon. Later moved to Portland, Oregon, where he graduated from Jefferson High School and fathered six children.
Growing up, music was a staple in the Woods family. At 12 years of age, Lonnie played the trumpet with his father and brothers, forming the “Woods Family Orchestra.”
Lonnie was a natural salesman working for Brand-Rex and Anixter and consequently formed a successful telephone-wire, fiber-optic cable distribution service, the L. R. Woods Company.
He was known for his quick sense of humor and his love for his family and the Lord. Lonnie was an avid golfer, loved his church, and never missed an opportunity to tell someone that God loved them. He loved to travel, music, and spend time with his children and grandchildren.
His six children survive Lonnie; Michael Woods, Susan Woods, David Woods, Samuel Woods, Rebecca (Woods) Bolante, Sarah (Woods) Back, his sister Dixie (Woods) Samples, his wife and companion of 38 years, Diane (Long-mire) Woods as well as step-children Cheri Ellenberger and Troy Gradwohl (deceased).
Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Joe Woods, Jerry Woods, and Patsy (Woods) Hoover.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at his church on August 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at East Vancouver Community Church in Vancouver, Washington. At a later date, Lonnie will be laid to rest at Restlawn Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Salem, Oregon. Tributes, memories, and condolences can be shared at www.rest-lawnfh.com/obituaries/ . Donations may be made to Lonnie’s home church, East Vancouver Community Church.