Darryl loved and served the community that he was born into April 2, 1936. Thirty years ago, he wrote this poem that was the summary of his life:
Darryl is my name
Gloria is my dame
Furniture is my fame
Heaven is my aim
He attended Hawthorne and Wakefield schools. He was active at Turlock High School. He played sports and was President of the California Scholarship Federation. He graduated with the class of ’54; he said his class had the prettiest girls. Darryl continued his education at Modesto Junior College. Then he went on to UC Berkeley and graduated in ’58. He loved the Cal Bears football games and was always ready to cheer “Go Bears!” He served as a Reserve Officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Darryl met his wife, Gloria Gimle, whom he referred to as his sweetheart. They were married December 26, 1959.
After much thought of what he would do in life, he joined his dad at Woods Furniture.
Darryl served the community in many different ways. He was a Past President of Rotary International, President of Turlock High School Quarterback Club, and on the committee for the 50+ reunion. He served on the board of two hospitals, a local insurance board, and was a member of Turlock Golf and Country Club, as well as Monte Vista Chapel. In the late 90s, Darryl was relentless on the committee to revitalize Main Street, downtown Turlock. He was also one of the founders for Turlock Toy Train Operations Society. In 1999, Turlock Chamber of Commerce honored Darryl as its Citizen of the Year.
His life reflected his love for his family. His most important commitment was to be the person God wanted him to be. The Woods family has big shoes to fill but will try to continue to make Turlock the best city that Darryl so enjoyed. We also thank El Rio Memory Care Community of Modesto for their wonderful support.
Darryl leaves behind his wife, Gloria; his three sons: David (Beth), Randy (Shara) of Turlock, Gary (Liza) of Long Beach; his ten grandchildren: Drew, Derek, Davis, Darcy, Darryl Seve, Ole, Elsa, Doris, Annistyn, Ridge; and four great-grandchildren; sisters: Carrolyn (Jim) Nicholas, Sally (Bruce) Ocken of Nevada; Sister-in-law: Lillian (Leroy) Kennedy of Turlock; and loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Thurman and Elsa Woods, founders of Woods Furniture in 1950.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 3rd, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock.
Darryl’s Celebration of Life will be held at the same location on Monday, June 4th, at 10 a.m.
A reception will follow at Woods Furniture, 4918 Taylor Court, Turlock.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Westside Ministries, 950 Columbia St., Turlock, CA 95380, Alzheimer’s Association, 2290 N. First St., Ste. 101, San Jose, CA 95131, or Turlock Historical Society, P. O. Box 18, Turlock, CA 95380.
Private interment will take place at Turlock Memorial Park