Woodrow Wilson Jelks, 102, of Carmi passed away at 5:50 a.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at his residence. Woodie worked first in the Arkansas Oilfields, then moved to White County in April of 1943. Employed by Pure Oil Company in the early 60’s merged with Union Oil of California to become Union 76. He was promoted to gang pusher in charge of taking care of production. In 1963 Woodie became production foreman for this area and was in charge of completing wells and putting the wells on pump. He retired on October 30, 1980 after 37 years. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and Masonic Lodge.
Woodie is survived by a son, David Jelks; two daughters, Linda (Mike) Richmond and Mary (Jerry) Winter with whom he lived; five grandchildren, Michelle Jacobson, Andrea Jelks, Chris Jelks, Diana Glixman and Donna Joslyn; three great-grandchildren, Miles Glixman, Lillie Glixman and Georgia Jacobson; lifelong friends, Larry (Brenda) Huff; several nieces and nephews and one brother-in-law. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Celtic Hospice Team and caregivers, Rhonda Mitchell and Brenda Collins.
Visitation for Woodrow Jelks will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi with a graveside service to immediately follow at White County Memorial Garden in Carmi.