Harold "Ace" Woods

Harold Wayne Woods, better known as Ace, passed away on August 23, 2024 at Northwestern Hospital in Huntley, Illinois. He was known for his sense of humor, loyalty, enormous caring heart and the ability to fix anything. When his time came to pass into heaven, he carried himself with dignity and strength. Ace was born in Dallas, Texas on November 21, 1950. He grew up with his 3 older brothers, his little sister and his beloved dog, Blackie. He recalled his childhood fondly with he and his three brothers getting into lots of mischief and shenanigans. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, Texas. After high school he went to work at Martin Equipment in Irving, Texas. He learned how to assemble, operate, and repair huge cranes. This was a skill he’d use and make a living at all his life. In 1970 he joined the Army and was sent to Viet Nam. He received two Purple Hearts for heroism and valor by saving fellow soldiers as they were under attack, even though he was seriously injured. It was in the jungles of Viet Nam that he was sprayed with Agent Orange which caused his illnesses later in life. As a young man, Ace used his skills and knowledge of big cranes and as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator to make a living. His jobs took him all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Alaska and most of the USA. While living in Dallas, Texas he met and married Patricia Schwartz from Michigan, who had just moved to Dallas to take a teaching position. They celebrated 40 years of happiness on June 22, 2024. Ace’s son, Ben, is a source of pride for Ace and is very loved. In 1992, Ace and Pat moved to Woodstock, Illinois. Ace worked for Plote Construction and then Martam Equipment. He loved his work and his fellow employees. He was a proud member of MidWest Operating Engineers Local 150. He retired in 2012 but kept busy as the neighborhood Mr. Fix-It. He would do anything to help people. An example of his generous heart and caring for others is his giving the winter coat he was wearing while shoveling snow in January to a homeless man who looked cold. Ace was a kind man. When Pat retired a year after Ace, they bought a motorhome and traveled the country. The Pacific Northwest was a favorite destination as that is where Ben, his wife Stacy and their 9 kids lived. Ace also loved spending time in Michigan at Pat’s parent’s farm. Ace and his father-in-law, Leigh, had a love for the outdoors, spending time fishing, roaming the woods, driving the tractors and grilling out. Ace was famous for the big breakfasts he fixed for the family. Ace was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Louise Woods of Dallas, his older brother, Jerry Moore, his sister, Nancy Woods, two sisters-in-law, Jackie Woods and Ann Woods and his father-in-law, Richard Leigh Schwartz. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, his son, Benjamin Woods, his daughter-in-law, Stacy Woods and 9 grandchildren, Grace, Max. Faith, Henry, Dominic, Hope, Maria, Maggie and Charity, mother-in-law, Mary Schwartz and his goddaughter, Karlie Stawychny, along with many dear friends. In true Ace style, he did not want the pomp and circumstance of a big funeral. He wished to be cremated. A small gathering of family and friends will take place at a graveside service at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, Michigan a later date.

Arrangements entrusted with Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Algonquin.

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