Tributes

Raymond Glenn Woods, 73, passed away on April 24, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by quiet service, steady faith, and a garage that rarely had room for an actual car. He was born on November 29, 1952, to Dorothy Gilstrap and John Woods, in Vallejo, California, and grew up in American Canyon. However, Vallejo is where Ray lived most of his life; a life of fixing things, helping others, and staying busy. Ray was the devoted husband of Elizabeth "Liz" Woods. The two met in Vallejo, set up by friends, and built a life together grounded in love, faith, and partnership. This year would have marked their 35th wedding anniversary. Ray was also the proud father of his only child, Jennifer Rose Woods Tyler. Though Jennifer is married, she carries Woods as part of her name—a reflection of the deep love and pride she has always had for her dad. He is also survived by his brother, Donald Woods; his nieces, Tammy and Kristy; and many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and likely a few people still using things he fixed 20 years ago. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he served his country with humility and skill—never one to brag, even when he probably should have. He later worked in civil service at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard as a pipefitter, and continued his hands-on work in lead abatement and asbestos cleanup, always doing the kind of work that required precision, patience, and grit. Ray's talents started early. At Napa High School, he earned a varsity letter in the rifle team and was part of the 100-mile club—proof that whether it was endurance, accuracy, or determination, he showed up ready. He could play the piano, shoot on target, and solve problems with a quiet focus that made it all look easy. He was, above all else, a “fix-it man.” If something was broken, he would fix it. He loved woodworking, repairing just about anything, candle making, and even mathematics. He found joy in thrifting, garage sales, fishing, and eating out—simple pleasures that, for him, were never all that simple because he made them meaningful. Ray was a man of deep Christian faith. He was often reading the Bible, studying God’s word, and living out his beliefs through action. His faith and his family were the center of his life, guiding everything he did. He also appreciated life’s comforts: collecting cookbooks and candles, solving sudoku puzzles, and enjoying his ideal meal—soup, salad, and iced tea, exactly as he liked it. He was also a lifelong truck man, as if owning anything else was never really up for discussion. Ray will be remembered for his generosity, humility, and the way he showed love through action. If you needed help, he was there—tools in hand, ready to figure it out, usually with the reassuring words, “We’ll do what we can.” In his honor, a Memorial Garage Sale will be held during Memorial Day Weekend on May 23–24, 2026 at 1743 Tuolumne Street in Vallejo—a tribute that feels especially fitting. Ray would probably be glad to know that even now, there are still good deals to be found and things getting a second life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who were lucky enough to know him—or have him fix something for them. “We’ll do what we can.” And he always did.

Tributes

Raymond Glenn Woods

November 29, 1952 - April 24, 2026