Obituary of Robert B Woodson

"If you have a brain, use it! It's all you need to overcome any problem!" So thought the third child born to Frank and Irma Woodson, August 15, 1945, in Oroville, California. As the second eldest son, Benny was carefree, curious, and destined to become an architect, a carpenter, or a mechanical engineer. He earned the nickname "Mr. Fix-It-Man" because he seemed intent on fixing things regardless of their condition. To him, taking things apart and discovering how they operated was a fascinating endeavor. Although once reassembled, things were never quite the same. Benny (Agape as often called by family and friends) was also known for his humor and generosity. At a moment's notice he would readily assist those in need. This often took the form of giving the clothes off his back, even the shoes off his feet, as well as feeding a friend or stranger. Benny attended Oroville Elementary School and was among the original class to attend and graduate from Las Plumas High School. After graduating high school, he enrolled in Sierra College. He would later transfer to the University of Utah on a full academic and athletic scholarship (1st by an African-American) where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Accounting. Not content to just succeed academically, Benny also excelled in sports. His preferred sport was football. Gifted athletically, his feats drew the interest of scouts from the National Football League. In 1967, he was drafted (15th pick overall) by the Oakland Raiders. Three years later he would suffer a knee injury that would detour his professional football career. He returned to Utah to recover from surgery and rehabilitate with the goal of returning to the NFL. During his rehab, he earned a Master's degree in Recreational Therapy and opened the first Boys and Girls Club of Salt Lake City, Utah (another 1st by an African-American). With his knee healed, Benny was eager to return to the gridiron. His desire had not waned in the slightest. When presented with the opportunity to resume playing professionally, he was more than thrilled to join the Canadian Football League. Benny's career playing for the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders was distinguished. Had he not suffered another injury to his knee he may have been able to walk away from football on his own terms. Nevertheless, resiliency and determination would power his road to recovery. Sports enabled Benny to play in the Rose and Shriners Bowls, work as a scout for the San Francisco 49ers, play professional Rugby, even travel, yet it didn't limit him from pursuing other interests. As an entrepreneur, he was able to own and operate a Harley Davidson motorcycle shop, a barbeque restaurant/bar known as "Mr. Goodtimes", and a construction company. As an activist, he became active in local community affairs championing issues such as poverty, affordable housing, quality education, and social injustice to name a few. He even tried his hand at politics by running for Mayor (in Salt Lake City). Furthermore, he obtained a real estate license to purchase and sale property as well as work as a brakeman for the Georgia Pacific Railroad. His family and friends will miss Agape. His thoughtfulness, his vibrant personality. Many will remember his socially conscious, empathetic, and adventurous nature. Robert was preceded in death by: brother, Tommy Woodson; sister, Anne Mae Woodson; parents, Frank and Irma Woodson; and aunt, Ruby Boone. Robert is survived by: Susie Woodson, sons, Demetrius and Christopher Woodson, Cole Abreu, and John Alameda; daughters, Angie Abreu and Amy Alameda; grandchildren, Lander and Abram Woodson; brothers, Frank Jr, Henry, and Leon Woodson; sisters, Myrtis Brown and Gail Woodson; and aunt, Sally Glaude (Walker). In addition, Robert leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. His Farewell Funeral will be held at Ramsey Funeral Home, 1175 Robinson St. Oroville California on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Oroville California. Arrangements are entrusted to Oroville Funeral Home, (530) 533-0323.