YEMASSEE:     Gregory William Woods, affectionately known to his family and friends as "Happy", passed away Thursday evening, August 28, 2025 at the Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was 56.

Happy was born in Walterboro June 3, 1969, a son of the late Frederick T. Woods and the late Kathleen Hoats Woods.  He was a true American patriot, having served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and devoting thirty years of service in the South Carolina Army National Guard.  He retired at the rank of Staff Sergeant (SST) and received numerous commendations and awards during his service including the Army Achievement Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, just to name just a few.  He was extremely proud of the time he spent in the military.  He also received an Associate Degree from the University of South Carolina.

Happy earned his nickname at an early age, and it stuck with him throughout his life.  His outgoing personality, and his positive outlook on life, were his greatest attributes.  He genuinely cared for others, and his never ending smile will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.

Happy enjoyed blues music, and was a talented guitar player.  One of his greatest loves was playing with his friends and military comrades in the band "Old Men Can Funk Too".  He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting and fishing, and he was also a member of Black Creek Baptist Church.

Happy is survived by his siblings Rene' Woods Montgomery (Robin), Wanda Woods Siniard (Bobby), Reggie Woods, Dee Anna Woods Infinger (David), and Sonja Woods Lee.  He leaves behind his nieces and nephews Sydney and Anna Kate Siniard, Turner and Allison Infinger, and Hampton Lee..

Graveside funeral services, will full military honors, will be held Friday morning, September 5, 2025 at 11:00 at the Black Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Thursday evening, September 4, 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00 at Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro.