Gordon Thomas Woods Sr.

Gordon Thomas Woods Sr., born May 2, 1935, in Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully with family by his side on November 18, 2024, at the age of 89.

A 1954 graduate of Mesa High School, Gordon went on to serve in the U.S. Army as part of Battery "A" 71st Armored Field Artillery Battalion stationed at Camp Chafee, where he was honorably discharged in 1955. Gordon loved his country and was proud of the time he spent serving in the Army.

He pursued higher education exploring his passion for both chemical engineering and music while attending Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

In addition to being academically accomplished Gordon was driven to success by his entrepreneurial spirit. He worked in sales for Betz Laboratories, Gulf Corporation, and Culligan before founding his own filtration companies, including GTWoods Co., Hydrokleen Systems, Filinco, and several other entities. His groundbreaking work in the filtration industry made a significant impact. Additionally, Gordon was one of the original founders of the Bank of Sierra and served on various committees, contributing to the growth and success of the community until his retirement this year.

Beyond his business ventures, Gordon made lasting contributions to his community. He served as pro tem mayor for Porterville, where he played a pivotal role in the construction of new city bridges and the creation of the Sport Complex. His commitment to improving his community and his leadership in local projects will be remembered by all who knew him.

A man of many talents, Gordon was also a commercial pilot, flying many planes throughout his life. He was a certified scuba diver and found immense joy in playing the trumpet, sharing his love of music with friends and family. He truly lived his life to the fullest and had a lifetime of great experiences traveling, enjoying the arts and performances, owning cattle, investing in interesting and exciting business ventures and cool vehicles, decorating the largest Christmas tree in town- he enjoyed life in every way and everyone in his life was better for knowing him. He truly was a wealth of knowledge and had wisdom and experience with nearly every topic. He was generous in more ways than can be listed- and more ways than we likely will ever know- as he quietly found ways to give to others throughout his life.

Despite his many adventures- many of which included his family- Gordon enjoyed quiet moments with his dogs and was a loving and devoted pet owner. He enjoyed watching sports or politics with his children and spending time with his family. He was a very proud father and grandfather and delighted in the company and accomplishments of his children.

Gordon's legacy of hard work, community involvement, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends.

Gordon was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Peggy Milford Woods; his son, Gary T. Woods; his parents, George Tennyson Woods and Vilate Harper; his sisters, Winifred Woods (who passed in infancy) and Dorothy Woods; and his brothers, George Woods, James Woods, Murray Woods, and Kenneth Woods.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Peggy E. Woods; and five of his six children, Gordon T. Woods Jr., Gail A. Woods, Thomas G. Jambor, Richard W. Jambor and Jolene Jambor; Additionally, Gordon was a proud grandfather to 20 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 39 great-grandchildren, each of whom he cherished deeply.

Family and friends who would like to honor Gordon are invited to attend his services scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1164 N Newcomb St. Porterville, CA or via zoom at Meeting ID: 923 5863 8248, Passcode: 089366.

To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries <http://www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries>. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.