Dr. Donaldson Grier Woods

Donaldson Grier Woods, 90, of Montreat, passed away February 23, 2024 at the Veterans Home in Black Mountain, NC. Dr. Woods was born May 28, 1933 in Asheville, N.C. to Samuel Baker and Isabel Grier Woods. As the son and grandson of Presbyterian missionaries to China, Dr. Woods demonstrated an unwavering commitment to missions throughout his life in word and deed.

Family and friends fondly remember his kind spirit, uncanny wit and wisdom, and generosity. Dr. Woods never met a stranger and could connect with anyone at any age due to his contemporary knowledge and a breadth of interests ranging from sports, the military, history, theology, geography, computer science, languages, and gardening. His ability to uphold his end of a conversation was only matched by his patience to listen attentively.

Dr. Woods served as a lifelong pastor with the Presbyterian Church USA. In the 1960s, some of his most satisfying service was to historical black churches in the south which brought both he and his family criticism publicly and in the dark of night. He never wavered in his commitment to racial equality and breaking down barriers.

Dr. Woods was also an educator and modeled lifelong learning. He served on the faculty of several universities teaching computer science. The merging of his dual degrees of Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Computer Science led him to work in Asia for over 20 years at which time he spearheaded an international student exchange program and ministered to those in hardship circumstances. Even long into retirement, he and his wife organized and led several missions teams deep into the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and partnered with Samaritan’s Purse and local churches to bring relief.

Dr. Woods was happy wherever he found himself but particularly enjoyed vacationing in North Myrtle Beach where he shared many getaways with extended family through the years. Above all, Dr. Wood’s greatest source of happiness and pride was indeed his family. He loved his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and his great-grandchildren deeply and always delighted in their presence.

Dr. Woods also inherited a devotion to tennis from his father who was a renowned tennis player, coach, and Virginia Tennis Hall of Fame member. All who shared the court with Dr. Woods would experience in tandem a fierce competitor and humble gentleman. Competitively he won various championships in singles and doubles competitions. He also showed a commitment to the next generation by coaching in a manner that instilled grace and respect both on and off the court.

Dr. Woods is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlene Orr Woods; two daughters, Laura Isabel Woods and Lucy Woods McEntire (Bryant); seven grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Chang, Rebecca Woods Trump (Jason), Audrey Paige, Brenna Joy, Campbell Grier, Della Hoi Ching, and Emory Bryant McEntire; and three great-grandchildren, Sophia Charlene, Rowan Mckenzie and Callum Augustus Trump.

A private memorial service will be held for the family at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at upper Anderson Auditorium, Montreat, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 for family, friends, and the community.

Memorials may be made to the Black Mountain Home for Children.

Arrangements are in the care of Harwood Home for Funerals in Black Mountain. Online condolences can be shared at https://www.harwoodhomeforfunerals.com/memorials/dr-donaldson-woods/5386275/index.php.