TAMA-Arthur R. Woods, age 91, of Franklin, NC, formerly of Tama died Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Angel Medical Center in Franklin, NC. Graveside military services will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama. Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is handling the local arrangements.
Arthur was born on March 30, 1919 in Tama, the son of Marian P. and Ethel A. (Ray) Woods. Art began his adult life as a Line Bore Operator at the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors Plant just outside of Chicago, IL, helping to build locomotive diesel engines and later naval ship engines during WWII. Art volunteered for military duty at the start of WWII and was selected for the Air Cadet Program where he earned his Navigator wings in the summer of 1945. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant but never saw overseas duty due to the end of WWII and was released from the military on December 18, 1945. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. After spending many years in White Hall, IL as an electrician, Art moved to Sarasota, FL and was an electrician for the Florida Department of Transportation, Sarasota Maintenance Division. Art retired in Bradenton, FL and moved to Franklin, NC in 1996. He was a member of American Legion Post 108, The Antique Automobile Club of America, Antique Motorcycle Club of America, and the National Clock Collectors Club.
Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother, Richard Woods; and one step grandson, Jeremy Ritchey.
Survivors include his wife of thirty-nine years, Marlene T. Schneider Woods of Franklin, NC; one son Jim (Paula) Woods of Clyde, NC; two step sons, Mike (Linda) Ritchey of Acworth, GA and Mark (Edda) Ritchey of Bradenton, FL; three grandchildren, Kimberly (Peter) Koennemann of North Port, FL, Christine Woods of Arlington, VA, and Hailey Woods of Atlanta, GA; four step grandchildren, Matthew Ritchey of Acworth, GA, Tara Duffy of Palmetto, FL, Alexandra Ritchey of Atlanta, GA, and Ryan Ritchey of Bradenton, FL; and two great grandchildren, Alyssa Duffy of Palmetto, FL and Tracy Koennemann of North Port, FL.

Memorial donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Carolinas Chapter, 5109 Nations Crossing, Suite 217, Charlotte, NC 28217 or Angel Hospice General Fund, 170 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734.