Earl Dean Woody Jr., 71, of Chino Valley, Arizona, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 2, 2026.

Born to Earl and Bessie (Moore) Woody in Missouri, Earl entered the world with significant disabilities resulting from complications at birth. These challenges made academics difficult, especially during an era when support for cognitively challenged individuals in public schools was limited. His family’s transient lifestyle meant he lived in multiple states throughout his childhood and youth, including California and Arizona. As a young adult, he spent several years in Hawaii and Alaska before returning to Arizona, where he resided for the final decades of his life.

Earl worked diligently throughout his adult life, primarily in custodial and janitorial roles. He was especially proud of his time with a well-known RV sales company in Arizona, where his responsibilities included transporting large RVs along Phoenix-area freeways. Despite significant reading challenges, he navigated these tasks with remarkable skill.

Though he never married and had few lifelong friends, Earl was loved by a caring circle of friends from local churches in the Chino Valley area. In recent years, they went the extra mile to support him through various difficulties. Earl had a warm and friendly spirit. He loved people, enjoyed reminiscing about the many places he had lived and the folks he had known, and took great pleasure in discussing politics and mechanics. A gifted tinkerer, he could fix almost anything—from small appliances to modern vehicles—and generously spent many hours helping others in this area. He also enjoyed helping his kind friend Lou at his local store. Earl is survived by his siblings, brothers Rodney Woody and Christopher Woody of Arizona, and sister Tina Johnson of Alaska, and many nieces and nephews.

Earl’s life reminds us that God blesses each person with unique abilities and circumstances. He remained kind, positive, and grateful despite the challenges he faced. He is now in eternity with his Savior and loved ones, enjoying perfect peace and a sound mind.