Wiley Elijah Woods

Wiley Elijah Woods, age 89, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 21, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family.

Elijah (Lige) was born January 16, 1936, to Emmanuel Delanson and Rebecca Royal Woods in the Tiger Creek Community of Carter County Tennessee. The family moved to Kingsport, Tennessee in 1940. Elijah attended Lynn View High School, where he met the love of his life Joan Caldwell, who he married on January 28, 1955 and raised three children; Pamela Joan, Timothy Brian and Ginger Renee.

Elijah was a master brick mason for over 50 years completing his masonry apprenticeship with Castle Brothers and later partnering with Bill Counts to provide his skills as B&E Construction Company. His work can be found throughout the TriCities area. Although well known for his masonry skills, he was equally known for his singing. He had a unique tenor voice and was the lead vocalist for the Gospel Harmoneers for many years. He also sang as a soloist in numerous churches and provided a singing mission to local nursing homes with his brother, Elmer Woods.

He was a member of West Kingsport Church of God and later Church Hill Church of God. He was a true servant of the Lord serving as Superintendent, Choir Director, Youth Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Clerk, Van Driver, Custodian, and Soloist. He loved the Lord with all of his heart, and it showed.

Elijah was preceded in death by his parents, Emmanuel Delanson and Rebecca Royal Woods; wife of 65 years, Joan Caldwell Woods; his son of 9 years, Timothy Brian Woods; and twelve brothers and sisters.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Pamela Woods Kindle (Steve) and Ginger Renee Woods; grandsons, Tyler Armstrong (Lisa), Ryan Armstrong (Riley), and Drew Kindle (Carrie); great-grandson and little buddy, Shepherd Woods Kindle (Doodlebug); special sister-in-law, Patsy Caldwell Clark; brothers-in-law, Jake and Billy Caldwell; special nephew, Danny Woods (Carolyn), and longtime friends, Joan Johnson Wilder, Tammy Carter and Jeff Joyner.

Special thanks and love extended to Smoky Mountain Health Care (Kelly, Candy and Melissa), and the personal care of Kelly Warren.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Armstrong, Ryan Armstrong, Drew Kindle, Danny Woods, Ferd Stump and Jeff Joyner.

The family will receive friends from 5pm – 7pm on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport, in the Big Room in honor of his son, Timmy Woods. A service will follow at 7pm with Pastor Robert Fultz and Drew Kindle officiating.

A graveside service will take place at 1pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Timmy Woods.