Thomas Woods

Tom “Doc” Woods, 69, formally of Dracut, MA passed away unexpectedly on April 24th 2026 near his home in Katy, TX. Tom was the son of Charles F. and Marguerite Woods predeceased. He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years Nancy, his daughter LCDR Kelli Lewis and her husband CDR Joe Lewis of La Mesa, CA and by his son Christopher Woods and his wife Caitlyn Woods of Katy, Texas. Tom is also survived by his brothers Mike Woods and sister-in-law Beverly Woods of Lowell, MA and by Tim Woods and his wife Kathy Woods of Dracut, MA. Tom was affectionately known as “Papa Bear” to his five grandchildren Amelia, Adelynn, Anniston, Emmett, and Alicyn who he thoroughly enjoyed. Tom was a graduate of Bishop Guertin H.S. where he was captain of the varsity football team. He received a B.S. from Bridgewater State University, a Masters Degree in Athletic Training from Indiana State University, and a Masters in Education from the University of Houston. Tom is a past President of the Texas Athletic Trainers Association as well as a past President and founding member of the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers Society (GHATS) where he was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2014. Additionally, Tom was a past President of the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association (SWATA), a Frank Medina award winner, was named the most distinguished Athletic Trainer in 2000, and has been inducted into the SWATA Hall of Fame. Tom was also a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Research and Education Board of Directors and earned the NATA Bill Chisholm and service awards, and also received the 2018 Gatorade ATC of the Year Award. He will be awarded the 2026 Servant’s Heart Award by SWATA and will be inducted into the Texas State Athletic Trainer’s Hall of Honor posthumously in July of 2026. Tom’s deep commitment to the profession of Athletic Training and to the caring of others touched countless lives. Above all, Tom was the absolute gold standard as a husband, a father, a Papa, and as a friend and is profoundly missed by all who knew him. Loved ones may make a donation in lieu of flowers in Tom’s name to the Greater Houston Athletic Trainers’ Society (GHATS) at https://ghats.org. These gifts will help continue his lifelong mission of supporting and connecting professionals in the field of Athletic Training throughout the Greater Houston area.

Thomas Woods

May 6, 1956 - April 24, 2026