Meryl Eugene Woods Jr., age 65, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana.

      He was born October 15, 1958, in Cisne, the son of Meryl Eugene Woods and Edith Ann (Sampson) Woods.

      Meryl dedicated over 27 years of service to Minwax before retiring and continued to work as a respected supervisor at Xenia Manufacturing for the past 12 years. He also held a position at World Color Press in Salem earlier in his career.

      Family and faith were the cornerstones of Meryl’s life.  A devoted dad and grandpa, or “Pops” and “Papa” as he preferred, he cherished every moment together, and especially appreciated opportunities for family dinners and game nights.  When given a choice, he always wanted to play Yahtzee first, but he would enthusiastically participate in whatever everyone else enjoyed, from video games to watching a movie.  For Meryl, nothing beat the simple joy of going to a movie theater and ordering a tub of fresh popcorn; it was his favorite kind of outing.

      Meryl’s musical interest began in high school with the trumpet and extended into a lifelong appreciation for music, encouraging his family to explore their own musical hobbies.  He was an avid collector of unique items, often seeking out unique coins and curiosities.

      His profound love for Jesus was apparent in his child-like faith and thoughtful discussions about spirituality and the bible.  Meryl had attended church often, and was especially uplifted when he could hear his son Josh share the word of God.  Heaven may be his new address, but Meryl's faith and love now live on as his spirit soars within those he embraced here on earth.

      He is survived by his son: Josh (Becky) Woods of Xenia; 3 grandchildren: Lauryn Woods, Allie Woods, and Jace Woods; brother: Rick Woods of Vincennes, Indiana; brother-in-law: Frank Hagen of Noble; and several nieces and nephews.

      He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Eddie Lee Woods; and 2 sisters: Maureen Hagen and Debbie Ann Bunting.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Ben Farleigh officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora.  A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the Clay County Cancer Crusaders or the Clay County Cancer Support Group, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com