Obituary of Leon A Woodson

A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF

LEON ALFONSO WOODSON

1956-2025

“Baby Leon”

Leon Alfonso Woodson was born on August 12, 1956, in Oroville, California. He was the son of the late Frank and Irma Woodson. Called "Baby Leon" by his family, he was the last of eight siblings, which included Eva Mae, Frank Jr., Myrtis, Thomas, Robert, Henry, and Gail.

Leon was not a braggart, nor did he speak much about his accolades unless asked. He was a jack of all trades, excelling in many areas. He was musically talented, playing the piano, guitar, drums, and he possessed a gift for singing as a tenor. He was a multi-sport athlete, playing on the football team, basketball team, running track and field, and swimming competitively; but it was tennis for which he truly had a passion. He was an athletic prodigy, and his teammates gave him the nickname “Woody.”

Not only was Leon a star athlete as a four-year letterman in all sports, but he was a man of intellect. He was a spelling bee champion, an avid reader, and a competitive chess player. He was a graduate of Las Plumas High School Class of 1974. He received multiple full-ride academic/athletic scholarships from University of the Pacific, Hawaii University, and Fresno State University; but inevitably he chose to remain in Oroville to be close to his family. He  attended Butte Community College where he earned his Associate Arts degree in Liberal Arts. He later attended Chico State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.

Over the years, Leon had quite a few different business endeavors, starting with his first entrepreneurial venture at a young age where he worked closely with the Oroville community. He also ran daily operations at The Way to Independent Living (TWIL), which developed after school programs, which were the prototype for the Boys & Girls Club in Oroville. He also was a machinist, lift operator/forklift driver at the Sierra Pacific Industries, Louisiana Pacific Lumber Mill, and Las Plumas Lumber & Truss Co. He also built tennis courts for private citizens. He worked for the Myers Cleaners, and he was the first Black lifeguard in northern California. Leon served as a Sheriff's Deputy for the Butte County Sheriff’s Department. (His family was proud he served as Sheriff’s Deputy.)

Just like the song by John Mellencamp, Leon was proud to be part of the “Small Town” community. He made many friends throughout his lifetime, and he enjoyed the company of anyone he met. He loved to talk with others and was truly a friend to all who met him. He especially befriended those in need and was the type of person to give you the shirt off his back if he knew you needed it. Leon was a very caring man who was known for his kind heart and easygoing personality. He also loved to spend time with his family.

Leon leaves to cherish his memory: Jenny Mitchell, Michael Woodson, Lydia Woodson, Levi Woodson (Meredith), Jason May, Nick Gingery, many grandchildren, and also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Arrangments have been entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877