Ray Woods, 79, of Jacksonville, Illinois, died Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at his home.

He was born in Ashland on June 10, 1946, the son of Glen Herbert and Dorothy Edith (Yancy) Woods. He married Carolyn Sue Griffith, and she preceded him in death in 2005.

He is survived by his daughters, April Dawne Woods, Jennifer Rae (Jason) Evans, and Jalana Rae Woods, all of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Brittinni Brown, Dylan (Halei) Brown, Jaelen Evans, Jacey Evans, and Jaxon Evans, all of Jacksonville; great grandchildren, Karter Burnett, Dregen Carl, and Niklaus Brown; siblings, Barbara Jean Woods and Glen Herbert "Herbie" (Donna) Woods, both of Jacksonville, and James Dale "Jimmy" (Karen) Woods of Manchester; son-in-law, Bobby Law of Jacksonville; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog Coco. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Ray graduated in 1965 from Jacksonville High School. He worked for State Materials Marathon as a bulk plant operator for over 40 years. Ray loved to visit with farmers on his fuel deliveries. He also enjoyed drinking coffee every morning and afternoon at McDonald's with friends, and yard work like gardening and mowing. Ray loved to sit on the porch and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.

A funeral service will be held 12 PM Noon on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial to follow at Jacksonville East Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 10 AM until the time of service. Memorial donations in memory of Ray may be given to the donor's choice. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.