Cecil R. "Bubba" Woods, Jr., 72, of Columbus, MS passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at his residence.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 21, 2021, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at New Salem Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM with Bro. Mel Howton officiating. Interment will be in Friendship Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Woods was born on July 22, 1949, to the late Cecil Roger Woods Sr. and Francis Gwendolyn (Gwen) Howard in Tarrant County, Texas. Raised by his mother and grandmother, he grew up in Columbus, MS, and spent the last 36 years living in Caledonia, MS. He met the love of his life, Nora Fant, while she was attending Mississippi University for Woman. Their love grew even during his service to our nation in Vietnam with the 236 dust off Medical Detachment. They were married in 1972 and he worked his way through college earning a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Mississippi State University. He then spent most of his professor working for the Mississippi State Tax Commission first as an auditor than a District Manager retiring in 2004. Besides his church and family, his life passions included hunting, fishing, baseball, cheering on MSU Bulldogs, and working with youth at church. He was thrilled to be able to see the Bulldogs win the College World Series this year. Every fall, Bubba would be in a deer stand and in the summer on the river. He was happiest surrounded by family, friends, and the outdoors. He often "picked on" on those he liked and would always be there when friends and family needed him, no matter the circumstances. In addition to his parents, Mr. Woods is preceded in death by his grandmother- Lois "Murner" Howard; and sister- Cecelia Helton.

Bubba is survived by his wife of 49 years- Nora Woods; sons- Ryan (Alaina)and Robert (Becky); grandchildren- Caide, Kayleigh, Khloe, Ashlyn, Abby, Addison and Wesley Prevost; siblings- Lynne Hildreth Rogers; Pam (David) Housely; Rob (Maureen) Woods, and Jim (Pat) Abbott; and along with many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Mike Savage, Ben Kilgore, Johnny Phillips, Cliff Wilson, Tyler Kilgore, and David Gable. Honorary pallbearers will be 236 Medical Detachment Dust off from Vietnam, Rusty Howard, and Barry Howard.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials sent to New Salem Baptist Church 7086 Wolf Rd., Columbus, MS 39705.