Eugene Woods Sr., better known as “Eudie,” received his wings on August 31, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Orange, Texas. He was born on January 13, 1942, to Leatrice King Woods and James Alonzo Woods. Eugene was baptized at an early age at St. Paul C.M.E. and was a proud 1960 graduate of Emma H. Wallace High School. Eugene met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Nelson Woods, and they shared 64 years of marriage. To this union, three children were born. Eudie lived a life filled with an immense love for his family, friends, church, and community. He never met a stranger and welcomed family and friends into his home, treating them as his own.
Eudie enjoyed being a CB Ham operator, fishing, playing dominoes, making key chains and macramé hanging baskets, playing ping pong and pool, listening to music, and dancing. His CB handles included “Nutcracker,” “Penetrator,” and “Time Bomb.” Two of his favorite sayings were, “The next time I see you… I’m going to hug and squeeze you and call you George,” and “I love you and ain’t nothing you can do about it.”
Eugene was a dedicated and faithful lifelong member of St. Paul C.M.E. Church, where he served as president of the Trustee Board, Lay Leader, and president of the Gospel Choir. He was also a proud member of the “Iron Sharpens Iron” brotherhood. Eugene generously gave his time and resources to his church and community. His powerful spiritual tenor voice was heard in the Gospel, Celestial, Senior, and Male Chorus, as well as with the Halls Singers, where he sang every Sunday on KOGT radio station.
Eugene began working at a young age as a construction worker alongside his father, James Alonzo Woods, who was a brick mason. He later worked for Buster Johnson as a maintenance hand at Navy Park Apartments before beginning a 35-year career at Gulf Chemical Plant, which later became Chevron. During his career, he served as a boiler technician, fire brigade member, plant operator, and CPR-certified employee while earning numerous awards and certifications. He encouraged senior African American employees to obtain their GEDs so they could receive equal pay and was respected by people of all races. In August 1999, he retired from Chevron Chemical and was honored with the Keys to the City of Orange. During his career at Chevron, Eudie also became an entrepreneur, opening “Eudie’s Bar-b-que Restaurant” on Simmons Drive, known as “The Best Bar-B-Que This Side of the Border.” His specialties included his famous homemade links and EUDIE BURGERS. He later opened two additional restaurants. Eugene was no stranger to hardship. In 2024, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, underwent treatment, and rang the bell in 2025. When the cancer returned and spread in June 2026, Eudie continued to fight a good fight. Although weak and fragile, he remained strong in spirit, never complaining about his pain and continuing to encourage the younger generation with words of knowledge and wisdom.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Alonzo Woods and Leatrice King Woods; sister, Shirley Jean Rhodes; and half-brother, William “Bill” Melvin Williams. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 64 years, Patricia Ann Woods; children, Rev. Michael Dwyne Woods (Bridget), Eugene Woods Jr. (Falonda), and Nesla Michelle Vaughns; bonus daughter, Rhonda Nicole Mims; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Ann Cartwright; goddaughter, Claudine Chavis; niece, Yolanda Rhodes; and a host of nephews, nieces, family members, and friends who loved him dearly. “I love you and ain’t nothing you can do about it.” Eudie’slegacy of faith, love, family, service, laughter, music, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Services will be held at Saturday September 12, 2026 @ 2PM ST. Paul C.M.E 1201 N. 4th Street ~ Orange, Texas 77630
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