George W. Woods, Jr.

March 14, 1920 - August 22, 2012

George W. "Shorty" Woods was born in Jasper, Texas on March 14, 1920. He was the eighth and last child of Cora McKeehen Woods and George W. Woods. The family soon moved to San Augustine where "Dub" (as he was known to his family) grew up. He graduated from San Augustine High School in 1938. G. W. was an outstanding baseball player, catcher for the state championship San Augustine Wolves. As he always said, he and "lots of other boys" were drafted into service at the beginning of World War II. His mother had three sons in the military; none was lost. G.W. served in the Signal Corp of the U.S. Army on Guadalcanal for almost four years; or as he always said "for three Christmases". In more recent years we have come to learn that he was truly a hero, a man of honor and valor___ a fact which others told___ our father never did. After the war, G.W. returned to San Augustine to "decompress" and re-establish with friends and family. During that time he met the love of his life, Marcelle Mitchell. They were married on June 16, 1946. After a couple of years in the car repair business with his brother, his law enforcement career began. G.W. was hired as a deputy sheriff in San Augustine County in 1948. Thus began the career he loved and influenced for the rest of his life. In 1951, Marcelle and G.W. moved to Port Arthur. G.W. worked first in Texaco Security, then was hired by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. He rose to the rank of captain during his twenty-four years of service. In 1975, G.W. was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Constable, Precinct 7. He served the county and his constituents in that office for twenty-one years. "Shorty" (as he was widely known) used his years of experience to bring law enforcement standards and practices to a higher level. He was a charter member of East Texas Peace Officers Associations, and an influential member of the J.P. and Constables Association of Texas where his focus was education and certification practices. Shorty was also a charter and lifetime member of Southeast Texas Law Enforcement Council. Shorty was known always as a man who shared his experience and knowledge with young men in law enforcement. He was a mentor to many. Shorty was a long-time Methodist; most recently a member of the United Methodist Temple. He was a 32nd degree Mason, holding a Lifetime Certificate. He was Past Master and Golden Trowel Award recipient of Groves Masonic Lodge 1315. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite. Shorty Woods is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marcelle; his three children, Patti Smithhart and Claude of Lufkin, Mitch Woods and Corby of Nederland, and Julie Spencer and Mike of Port Neches. He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Clint Woods, JaneAnn Draper Mann, Jason Woods, Manse Draper, Tyler Woods, Marci Spencer Hebert, Cori Spencer, Jolee Spencer. He is survived by six great-grandchildren; Chloe, Reese, Harris, RyleeJo, Wyatt, and Peyton. Pallbearers will be Clint Woods, Jason Woods, Manse Draper, Tyler Woods, John Mann, Travis Hebert, Wayne "Mud" Hardin, and Gary Capo. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial in Shorty's memory to United Methodist Temple or to Compassion Hospice, 2528 Calder, Beaumont, 77702.