Birth date: Sep 13, 1940 Death date: Jul 9, 2019
Woodrow Wilson Staats, Jr., 78, of Lakeland, passed away on July 9, 2019. He is survived by his wife Robin; sons Wesley Staats of Lakeland and Tim Staats of Jacksonville, FL; daughters, Tracy Caustic (John) of Bartow, FL and Kare Read Obituary
Woody and I spent so much time together growing up in Franconia VA that people thought we were brothers. When we played organized baseball I batted before Woody and would usually get on base. I always knew that I was coming home as the next batter was Woody and most of the time he would pound it out of the park. Sometimes we would hitchhike to town, go to a movie and then hitchhike back home. After one of us bought a car and we double dated we thought we were the coolest dudes around. One night we decided to try a beer and since Woody looked older than me (by several months) he got a 6 pack of Black Label. We found a quiet spot and each of us opened up one. After that first sip we looked at each other and said "boy, this stuff is sure overrated". I think we threw them away at the first trashcan we could find. One of our favorite things to do was on Washington's birthday there was always stores that gave things away, if you were the first in line. We would spend the night in our car so that we would be the first in the store and cart what ever it was they were giving away home. We had a great time and we knew all there was to know about each other. I went in the Army and when I got out Woody was married and eventually we both moved away. Him to Florida and I to North Carolina. We lost touch for many years but thanks to the internet we found each other and never lost touch again.
Woody has always been my best friend and he will always be like a brother to me.
I know he suffered at times with the many illnesses he had, but I know now, he will rest in peace.
LOVE,
Bill Dycus
Fairview NC
Woody was the best brother-in-law a girl could have. He will be sadly missed. He was always loved!
Sending our condolences and love to your family. Woody will be missed immensely and Strickland Manor will never be the same again😭. We love you all very much!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this time.
Warren and Wanda Woods
We do under stand what you are going thrught , our hearts and prayers are with you all
May God Bless..
