West Carthage - Richard G. Woods, 84, of 801 Tamarack Drive, Apt. A, died Monday, March 14, 2016 at his residence after being stricken.

Richard was born in Watertown on May 29, 1931, the son of the late Gerald K. and Bertha Gates Woods. He was a 1948 graduate of Lowville Academy and later graduated from Albany Business College. He served in the U.S. Army in the 808th Military Police from 1950 to 1952. He married the former Lola H. Higman on August 14, 1955 at St. James Church in Carthage. Lola died on October 2, 2011. On November 10, 1952, he began his employment at Carthage Papermakers and continued there, retiring as Sales Manager on June 30, 1993 from Climax MFG after 41 years of service.


Richard was a life member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Carthage Elks Lodge # 1762, a member of the American Legion Post # 789 of Carthage, Past President and Treasurer of Diana Company Inc. of Harrisville and former Chairman of the Steering Committee and Past President of the Carthage Area Hospital Foundation for 5 years.

He is survived by his daughter: Lisa M. Noyes of Cohoes, a son: Timothy L. Woods of West Carthage, 5 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren and a brother-in-law, Arthur Smearman of Raleigh, NC.. A daughter, Ellen Woods and his sister, Ellen Elizabeth Smearman died previous.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 18th at 2:00pm at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home with Rev. Bruce W. Chapman officiating. A calling hour will precede the service from 1-2pm. Burial will be in Hermon Cemetery at the family's convenience.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carthage Area Hospital Foundation.