Joel Kenneth Woods, 72, stepped from death unto life eternal on October 9, 2012. Joel was born on November 6, 1939 in Birmingham to Damon and Catherine Byars Woods, both of whom preceded him in death.

He graduated from Phillips HIgh School and Jefferson State Junior College and retired from the Social Security Administration with 32 years of service. In retirement, he enjoyed working as a driver for several different companies. He was most proud of serving as a United States Marine and he was an avid fan of the sports program at the University of Alabama.

He professed Jesus Christ as his Savior and was a member of Beechwood Baptist Church.

Joel is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sandra Raybon Woods; children, Bryant Joel Woods and Maureen Coon; step-children, Andrea Collins (Troy), Craig White (Cassie), Amy Patillo (Lee); grandchildren, Chris and Andrew Speyer, Jesse and Ryan Coon; step-grandchildren, Katelyn and Jordan Collins, Spencer, Abby and Anna Cathy Trapp Elliott. He was also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Bert and Richard Raybon.

Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with funeral services at 3:30 p.m. at Gardendale Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beechwood Baptist Church, Mt. Olive, or Jimmie Hale Mission, Birmingham.