Cecil Earl Woods

Cecil Woods, 80, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was born on April 4, 1945, at Watts Hospital.

He first worked as a mechanic, transitioned to GTE for 33 years and then became a Real Estate Broker for the City of Durham, where he retired.

Cecil grew up surrounded by his grandparents, aunt Hazel and his sisters. He admitted jokingly that his first love was a 1939 Ford Coupe, where his appreciation for cars and motorcycles were displayed early in his life. His greatest accomplishments were marrying Janie, and the birth of his son and grandchildren, “a family I am proud of.” Cecil was described by his family as strong-willed, family oriented, a fighter, mischievous and funny. He was young at heart and lived life to the fullest extent. He enjoyed vacations and traveling, car shows, camping with his wife and beach music. Cecil was a man of faith, putting his ultimate trust in God in 2017 at Olive Branch Baptist Church, where he was an active member.

Mr. Woods demonstrated love for this community and found a purpose in helping others as a member of Masonic Lodge #750, the Triangle Shrine Club and the Hillbillies for over 10 years. Cecil was also a member of the Bull City Street Rod Association for over 40 years, where he showed his true passion for classic cars including his own 1930 Ford Model A pickup truck, among many others.

Cecil is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Mozelle Woods and his sister Janet Hargrove. Left to cherish Cecil’s memory are his wife, Janie Woods; son, Martin Woods (Danielle); sister, Mertis Hammond; grandchildren Ryan Woods (Maci) and Emilee Key (Christian); step great-grandson, Carson, and great-grandson, Jacob.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Hudson Funeral Home at 211 S. Miami Blvd. Durham NC 27703.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Reverend Timothy Wheeler. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Durham, NC.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Ryan Woods, Christian Key, Keith Cooley, Cornell Cannady, Mike Sewell Jr. and Randy Baker.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Triangle Shrine Club, P.O. Box 11705 Durham, NC, 27703 to be collectively sent to Shriners Children’s Hospital in memory of Cecil Woods.