Harold James Woods Jr.

Harold “Chadz” James Woods Jr. was born in Dayton, Ohio on March 25, 1968, to the union of Janet M. and Harold J. Woods, Sr. He departed this life on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Harold's education began in the Jefferson Township School District in Dayton, Ohio. When his family relocated to Missouri, he attended school in the Parkway South School District and graduated in the Class of 1986 from Parkway South High School, Manchester, Missouri. He continued his education at Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) studying music.

During his time as a student in both junior high and high school, he could be found in the music room helping his teachers. At the age of 13, he took piano and voice lessons at the C.A.S.A. Conservatory at Maryville College (St. Louis, Missouri). Harold had an amazing voice. His winning personality, big smile and vocal talent would always draw a crowd. Music was so very important to him. It was his life, it was his livelihood. It appeared to take him to his peaceful place. Like his grandfather, the Reverend Hargie, Sr., who loved to sing, as well, he had an insatiable love for music; from contemporary to classical, and especially gospel music. He is known for his musical style and creativity, which he spent countless hours to hone.

It was at a very early age, about three years old that his mother recognized his love for music, and purchased for him a toy "Baby Grand" piano, which became one of his favorite toys to play with. We could not have imagined the impact it would have on his life, and the lives of the many people who would be touched by his God-given talents in the decades of years that followed.

Harold (Chadz) had many wonderful accomplishments, some of which are: His humble beginnings playing the piano and singing at the Church of God (Gateway to Heaven), under the tutelage of his grandparents, Church of God, Kirkwood, Missouri, and Silver Springs Church of God in Springfield, Missouri. He founded and directed the Love Fellowship Community Gospel Choir, was founder of the Gateway Gospel Area Youth Choir, former director of the McKinley Youth Choir, Worship Leader for the Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church, entertainer for the Miss Ohio America Scholarship Pageant, member of the Sinclair Life Choice Ensemble, member of the Sinclair Chorale. He has performed and ministered on over 400 stages and venues. On a local basis, he played accompaniments for many singers, trained and prepared individuals, groups, and choirs for productions and/or concerts, and taught music and voice lessons. Whenever he was asked to sing or play, with little or no hesitation, he would say, "Yes." As a result, he has ministered through music at many weddings, funerals, church programs, charity and local events. He loved working with others to help them accomplish their goals. Everything he did was done for the love of serving others, and in a spirit of humility, not for attention of himself or accolades. Up until his passing, he was playing at Hope Collective Church, sometimes playing and singing with the worship team and leading the kids music ministry.

If Harold's (Chadz's) first love was music, his second was not far behind. He loved working in the food service industry, and worked for several large chains over the years. At one point, he decided he wanted to go out on his own. His love for cooking and serving others led him to opening Chazzy's Kitchen, where "Eatin' is Always Better in the Kitchen." The food that was prepared and served there was food good for the soul: Fried Chicken, Fried Fish, Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese, Cherry Cheese Cake, and much more. Harold (Chadz) realized from the very beginning that the success of Chazzy's would not be obtained through his efforts only, but by faithful customers and their patronage. He never took them for granted, but always strived to give them his best. He was grateful for the support of those who worked with him at the restaurant, as well as, the help of other workers, family members, and friends who stepped in when he needed them. They all were a part of his support system. Although, he had some challenges keeping the restaurant going, he was a very hard worker and was already preparing for his next steps. He never gave up on his dream.

In the meantime, he accepted employment at Walmart. He was promoted to Deli-Bakery Team Lead a few weeks after being hired, and had begun taking a course in the Walmart Academy in preparation for upper mobility.

On a lighter note, Harold (Chadz) had a love for his family, and would always seek opportunities to bring the family together on special occasions. When he opened Chazzy's restaurant, many of his cousins, family members, and friends showed up in a big way to support and to celebrate him. He was a person who loved to give, and would always share with his family and others. On his visits home for the holidays, he looked forward to having the opportunity to spend time with his niece and nephews. Sometimes just standing around talking, and other times group talks late into the evening or night, simply chatting about life experiences and giving them advice.

Finally, what you may not know about Harold (Chadz) is: He loved the color green, frogs, his dogs, the outdoors, flowers, planting things (flowers and trees) and to travel. However, oftentimes over the years, one would find him at church, using his time and talent for the Lord. The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way it should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6). So, let the work he has done speak for him!

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents the Reverends Ernestine L. and Hargie Shelby, Sr., of the former Church of God (Gateway to Heaven) in Dayton, Ohio, and by his paternal grandparents, Verna Jean and Jerry Woods, Jr.

Harold (Chadz) leaves to cherish his memory: his parents Janet M. Watson and Harold J. Woods, Sr.; four sisters: Tonya Davis (Illinois), Jannessa (Wilky) Domercant (Illinois), Tamara Davenport (Ohio), and Autumn (David, Sr.) Mack (California); his uncle, Patrick (Linda) Shelby (Texas), Emario Lynch and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service 11 am Saturday, March 22, 2025 at House of Wheat Funeral Home, 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave., Dayton, OH. Visitation 9 am- 11 am. Family will receive friends 10 am- 11 am. Interment West Memory Gardens.

Livestream link: http://www.facebook.com/Stream-All-Services-102620271622310/

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