Charles Emery Woods

Charles Emery Woods passed from this life to the next on Monday, January 6, 2025. Known throughout the community and beyond as an extraordinary maker of violins, talented engineer and builder, dedicated Christian, and devoted husband and father, he will be missed by so many.

Charles was born in Tucson, Arizona November 8,1935 to George Freeman and Eleanor Woods of Fairview Dairy. Charles was active in 4-H and competed in football and track through high school and then college at the University of Arizona. He was engaged and married to Donnie Gene Lee in 1956, his Senior year of college.

Upon completion of his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1957, Charles and Donnie moved to China Lake in June 1957. Charles started work in the Range Design Branch of the Test Department. He designed facilities, equipment for testing of many weapons, and aircraft programs in the Navy. Over his career Charles worked on a broad range of projects: rocket test stands, A-7 aircraft maintenance fixtures, guidance seekers for the Agile and Sidewinder Aim-9R, and the Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track (SNORT) facility.

Always a meticulous craftsman, Charles drafted and built his family's home in College Heights in the 1970's and continued with other hobbies like hand bookbinding, model airplane building and flying, model making, ceramics and painting. He is most loved and respected as a Luthier, making over 100 instruments: violins, violas, and cellos. He has repaired hundreds of instruments for players in local orchestras, the middle schools and the high school. His instruments are played and valued by musicians around the world.

Charles and his wife Donnie have been active in Immanuel Baptist Church since 1957. Charles has served as a deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, music and choir director, and on many church committees.

Charles is survived by his wife of 68 years, Donnie. He leaves behind his son Gary Lee Woods of Fresno (wife Kathy Plauson), his grandson Bryan Everett Woods of Santa Clara (wife Shauna LaCoste) and great-grandson Oren Dominick Woods. Charles is also survived by his daughter Julie Kaye Finnigan of San Jose and granddaughters Meredith Lee Finnigan of Portland and Rose Amelia Finnigan of New York City.

A celebration of life is planned for early April.