Harold James Woods, a former well known businessman of eastern Arizona, passed away quietly Thursday afternoon, March 31, 2016, at his residence in Safford. He was 87.
Hack, as he was known by associates, was a native of the area and was the son of Bailey Ray and Irene Layton Woods. He was born May 21, 1948, in Thatcher.
Respected as a knowledgeable businessman, Hack specialized in refrigeration and electrical service with offices in Thatcher and Safford.
Throughout his school years he received numerous awards and recognition for his athletic ability in football, basketball and baseball and was named to the outstanding list of athletics for the state of Arizona. Hack graduated from Gila Junior College, now known as Eastern Arizona College, and was called to the training camp for the Cincinnati Reds as a pitcher.
He married Beth John in 1947 and spent a short time with the John family in cotton production. After completing courses in refrigeration and electrical work in the Phoenix area, Hack returned to the Gila Valley and worked with Charles Awalt for five years. He joined his brother, Kent, in opening their own appliance business and later accepted a position in the maintenance department at Eastern Arizona College.
In 1962, Hack married Diana Kynaston Smith. Diana later passed away in 2001.
Hack was an avid sportsman, taking a special interest in golf, hunting and fishing. Throughout his lifetime he was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Hack is survived by: his son, Everett Smith (Sandra), of Alpine; and two brothers, Kent (Ann), of Thatcher and Glenn (Linda), of Thatcher; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Hack was predeceased by: his wife, Diana; his mother, Irene; his father, Bailey; his brother, Bailey, Jr.; and a great-grandson, Ty Smith.
Funeral services for Hack were conducted Friday afternoon, April 8, 2016, at Vining Funeral Home’s “Chapel of the Valley” by Bishop James McBride. Concluding services followed in the Thatcher Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome.com Arrangements were entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
