Harry Arthur Woods, Jr.
1941-2021
Harry A. Woods, Jr. came into the world on February 15 th , 1941, born to Harry and Viada (Young) Woods in his grandmother's kitchen in Hartford, Arkansas. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Monroe, Oklahoma, helping to raise cattle and small crops, surrounded by his five younger siblings.
Harry's life-long curiosity, intelligence, and boundless energy took him to Oklahoma State University, where he was named "Outstanding Graduating Senior" and to New York University School of Law on a Root-Tilden scholarship. He worked for White & Case Law Firm, NYC, after graduating from NYU. He then served 4 years in the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps at Ft. McClellan, Alabama. His heart always belonged to Oklahoma, so he was thrilled to join Crowe & Dunlevy law firm in Oklahoma City in 1971. He enjoyed an immensely satisfying career and was proud to serve as president of the Oklahoma Bar Association in 2004.
Harry's greatest joy was his family. He and his wife, Carol (Meschter), were married for nearly 54 years, and had two children, Arthur and Beth Ann (Graham). He also had six grandchildren – Lauren Lee and Eliot and Nicholas Woods, joined by Robert (Laura), Rosemary (Miguel), and Andrew Lee; and two great-grandchildren – Calvin and Max Lee. He also loved seeing his extended family, especially at big Fourth of July and Thanksgiving events at the farm.
Harry developed many important friendships during his law practice and through his wide range of hobbies and interests, which included windsurfing, jogging, rock-climbing, biking, hiking, photography, travel, eating with The Good Times Gang dinner group, and flying his beloved Bonanza. For the past few years, his book club was especially important to him. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Edmond, where he participated in the Faith Experience Sunday school class and held various positions.
After a two-year struggle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Harry died at home on Monday, January 11 th , surrounded by his wife and children. He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew; a great-niece and her child; his parents-in-law; a sister-in-law; and a brother-in-law. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings John (Paulette) Woods, Barbara (Glendon) Chester, George (Kathy) Woods, Robert (Paula) Woods, and Mary (Tom) Ulrich, and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their kids.
The family would like to thank Companion Healthcare, especially Kristin, Natalie, and Kerri. Arrangements are under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond. A private, family-only service will be held on Saturday, January 16 th , at 2 pm, and will be live-streamed. Please CLICK HERE to view live stream. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church in Edmond; Oklahoma Indian Legal Services Inc.; or a charity of your choice.