Eddie Joseph Woods

Edward Joseph Woods Jr, 77, of Benton, TN, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 21, 1948, in Bronx, NY, Edward grew up in Callahan, Florida. At the age of 16, "Eddie" enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 20 years, including a deployment in Vietnam. During his distinguished military career, he served aboard the USS Elokomin, USS Josephus Daniels, USS Dwight E. Eisenhower, and USS Forrestal. He completed his final year in the Navy Reserves, retiring in 1986 with the rank of Boatswain's Mate First Class (BM1). Following his military retirement, Edward embarked on a successful second career as a truck driver in Tennessee.

Outside of work, Eddie was a man of many passions. He loved playing his guitar, listening to music, gardening, fishing, cooking, and playing darts. Above all, he truly loved being surrounded by his family and friends, sharing good times and creating lasting memories.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Phisterer Wannamaker; his stepfather, Henry Wannamaker; his biological father, Edward Joseph Woods Sr.; and his sister, Mae Ann Colgrove.

Edward is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Darlene Lunsford Woods. He leaves behind his daughter, Cheri Woods Paysour and her husband Robert (Bobby); his stepson, Daniel "Curtis" Moses; and his half-sisters, Christine Cofield and her husband Larry, and Dora Clark and her husband Wayne. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Hunter Allen and her husband Tim, Bailey Paysour, and Carson Paysour; his step-grandson, William Scott Dennison; and his great-grandchild, Wilder Allen.

Edward was laid to rest with military honors at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee on June 9, 2026.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Edward or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Woods family with these arrangements.