David Richard “Dick” Woods, 73, of Silver Springs, Fla. passed away at his home on April 23, 2010 after valiantly battling cancer for more than 26 years. His fiancee and friend, Carole Applegate, was by his side.

Dick was born in Niles on Dec. 29, 1936 to Frank and Sue (Taylor) Woods. He grew up in Niles but moved to Lantana, Fla. for his senior year of high school, graduating from Lantana High School in 1954.

After high school he attended West Palm Beach Jr. College, graduating with an associate degree in 1956.  From there he entered the Navy becoming a sonar operator for four years.  He toured Japan which he really enjoyed and talked of often. Being honorably discharged from the Navy, Dick returned to his “home” in Niles, where he worked for the family business, Woods Beverage Co., for his brother, Joseph L. Woods.

Dick married Shirley (Shugars) Woods on March 17, 1962.  They were married 23 years and had three children: Randy, Reta and Rick.

Dick was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also had a great love for nature and playing cards. He taught all his children to shoot and fish with respect to nature and wildlife.

He is survived by his children, Randy F. Woods, Reta Mae (Woods) VanderZwaag and Richard J. Woods; by five grandchildren, Chelsea VanderZwaag, Casey VanderZwaag, Sarah Woods, Rebecca Woods and J.J. Woods; and also by his brother, Joseph L. Woods.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Woods and Sue (Taylor) Woods, and by his sister, Rosemary (Woods) Ham.

No services are being planned; however, memorials may be made directly to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Silver Springs, Fla.