Keith Woods

Richard “Keith” Woods, 67, of Vidor, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was born on November 11, 1958, in Beaumont, Texas, and graduated from Vidor High School in 1977. While in school, he was a proud Mighty Pirate, playing football and baseball. He excelled in multiple sports, including golf and tennis, and won the Texas state batting title with a .512 batting average. He later earned a full-ride baseball scholarship to McNeese State University.

His life took a dramatic turn on October 11, 1981, when he was involved in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver. Prayers from across the country were felt as he defied the odds, emerging from a two-month coma and enduring a three-year hospital stay. His parents, Ruth Woods, former mayor of Vidor, and Joe T. Woods, Sr., never gave up hope for his recovery.

Although Keith never fully recovered from the accident, his life was a testimony of his faith. He was full of joy and laughter and possessed the sweetest spirit and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Astros, and cherished visits from his brother, who faithfully arrived with a strawberry malt in hand just for him. Though he never married or had children of his own, Keith was rich in love and blessings. He entered the presence of the Lord surrounded not only by his family, but also by the devoted nurses from Vidor Health and Rehabilitation where he spent his final years—women who had become like family to him.

While he will continue to live on in our hearts, he is now free from pain, made whole in his glorified body, and reunited with Jesus and loved ones who went before him. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Thomas Woods, Sr., and his mother, Virginia “Ruth” Woods.

He is survived by his brother, Joe Thomas Woods, Jr. and his wife, Melissa; and their daughters: Jessica Russell and her husband, Roman; Madeline Gonzales and her husband, Mario; Kathryn Self and her husband, Andrew; and Kimberly Franks and her husband, Jacob.

He is also survived by his many great-nieces and great-nephews: Alexa Rae, Addison Grace, Ella Jo, Emersyn Mae, Presley Kate, Autry Thomas, Benjamin Keith, Carter Jacob, Joe Watson, Mila Kathryn, and Reagan Drew.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 350 N. Main St., Vidor, Texas 77662. A funeral service honoring Keith’s life will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Restlawn Cemetery in Vidor.

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