Cecil Gerald "Pete" Woods

Cecil Gerald "Pete" Woods, Jr. age 71, of Gulfport died Wednesday, June 19, 2019. He was born June 26, 1947. Pete was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, but lived in several states as well as overseas in France, Germany and Iran. He graduated from Tehran American School in Tehran, Iran, in 1965 and returned to the U.S. and the University of Alabama to start his college education. There he met his future wife, Darla. After graduation, he served in the Army in Vietnam and Thailand and attained the rank of Major. In the following years, he continued his university studies while working for various companies. After receiving his law degree from Ole Miss, he and his family moved to Gulfport, and he opened his law practice. He headed the paralegal program at Phillips Jr. College for several years. Pete worked as an attorney in counties and parishes along the Gulf coast for 30 years. As well as being an attorney, he was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), a Ham Radio Operator (AE50GB Extra Class License), and a member of Coast Guard Auxiliary (AUXOP, Flotilla Staff Officer and vessel examiner). Pete belonged to the Mississippi Bar Association, the Louisiana Bar Association, the Masons (member of Orange Grove Lodge #635 F&AM and the Gulfport Lodge #422 F&AM; served as Worshipful Master of the Gulfport Lodge, 32º Mason of the Scottish Rite, a 22-year member of the Joppa Shriners and served as Temple Attorney for several years), the NRA-life member, the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, the North-South Skirmish Association, the Krewe of Neptune (Duke in 1996) and in 1999 was a Duke in the Krewe of Nereids. He had a passion for traveling and for learning. He enjoyed Civil War and World War 11 re-enacting. He participated in Cowboy Action Shooting as well as taking part in other shooting competitions. Spring would find him watching AA baseball games at spring training camps in Florida. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, CSM Cecil G. Woods, Sr. and Virginia Woods; his son, Maj. Vincent Woods; his sister, Nancy Woods McCormick; and his brother, Robert Woods. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Darla Woods; his daughter, Erin Woods of Gulfport; his son, Rylan Woods of Gulfport; his sister, Lois Shelton (Larry) of Scottsboro, AL; his brother, Charles Poe (Barbara) of Scottsboro, AL; his grandchildren, Micheal Woods and Mallory Woods of North Little Rock, AR; and Ryleigh Schmermund of Gulfport, MS; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Woods of North Little Rock, AR; his brother-in-law, Gene McCormick of Lacey Springs, AL; his sister-in-law, Kim Woods of Huntsrillo, AL; and his nieces and nephews. His family would like to thank Southern Hearts Hospice for all of their help and guidance, especially Kathy Aycock and Nurse Donna Nelson. Heartfelt thanks go to Carol Redmond, his hospice caregiver and certainly an angel here on earth, who took such outstanding care of him in his final weeks. Flowers will be donated to local nursing homes and hospitals so that others can enjoy their beauty. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Harrison County Humane Society from which they have adopted some of the best animals in the world. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street Chapel, Gulfport, MS where friends can visit one hour prior to the service.