In Lexington if someone was described as: easy going, a community leader, well respected, friend to all, highly revered and quiet demeanor you might think of Billy Max Woods. Billy Max as most called him, died early Monday morning, March 13, 2023 at his home with his family at his side.

Billy Max, was 84 years old, born on August 20th, 1938 one of two children born to the late Elston and Lorene Kolwyck Woods. He spent his entire life in Lexington and Henderson County and became one of Lexington’s true leaders. Most in the community remember him as either the owner of E. L. Thomas and Sons Concrete or the long-time bank president of Central State Bank and later Union Planters Bank. During those years he also served as a director on numerous Boards such as: 911 Board, Community Bank Board of Directors and the Industrial Development Board of Lexington. In his leisure Billy Max was a devout fan of the University of Tennessee and the St Louis Cardinals. But he was also known for his Black Angus herd on his farm just outside of Lexington. Another passion of his was the raising, training and showing his Tennessee Walking Horses. Every August you could count on seeing Debbie and Billy Max in Shelbyville at the Walking Horse Celebration where he had great successes. In fact, Billy was the owner of three time world grand champion, “I Am Jose”, a feat rarely achieved.

He had a relatively small family but blessed with many friendships he had made throughout the Southeast. Billy Max is survived by his wife of twenty-three years, Deborah “Debbie” Woods; his daughter Patti R. Woods, step-son Stephen Milam, Stephen’s children, Story Parker Milam and Shepard Mac Milam and was “Pappaw” and father like figure to his special granddaughter Constance. Preceding Billy Max in death was his first wife, Patsy S. Woods and his brother, Bobby Joe Woods.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM Tuesday, March 14th in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Beecham officiating. Interment will follow at Lexington Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.