Regis Leonard Woods

Regis Leonard Woods, 82, of Cambridge, OH passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Morrison House in Zanesville, OH. Regis was born September 7, 1943 in Glen Robbins, OH to Harold “Pete” and Bernadine Leonard Woods. He was born in the family home and was delivered by the coal company’s doctor and nurse. Regis was a 1961 graduate of Warren Consolidated High School in Tiltonsville, OH. As a Blue Rambler, he participated in football, basketball and baseball. As a football player, he was on the AP Class A All Ohio 2nd Team and 1st Team Small School All Valley. He originally accepted a football scholarship to Purdue University but due to the advice of his high school football coach, Dick Thurnes, he accepted a scholarship to West Virginia University. He played in one game but his playing career was cut short due to a knee injury suffered in practice during his sophomore year. Coach Gene Corum kept him on scholarship after the injury which allowed him to graduate from WVU in 1965. This act of loyalty created a lifelong Mountaineer. He entered the teaching profession at Bellaire in 1965, where he also coached football and basketball. He learned a lot under the guidance of Don Ault, Cal Giffen, Tom Vichich and others. In 1968, he became the head football coach at Dillonvale. His first game as head coach, he coached the Knight Riders against his high school alma mater and Coach Thurnes. WCHS won the game 8-6 and Coach Thurnes told him after the game he should have ran the fullback more. In 1970, he moved to Martins Ferry to become the head football coach. His 1972 Purple Rider team won the coveted SPARKY trophy for the first time over arch rival Bellaire with a 16-6 victory. In 1974, he went back to Bellaire and moved into school administration. He served as assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and finally superintendent in 1988. Cambridge City Schools was his next stop as superintendent in 1992 and served in that capacity until retiring in 1997. He came out of retirement to serve as an interim superintendent at Cambridge, East Guernsey and Barnesville. Throughout all of his stops, his number one priority was always kids. From his stops in the MH room to supervising fishing at 6th grade camp to his blue “W” stamp on students’ work in Cambridge, kids were his passion. He created many lifelong friendships and memories throughout his educational career. After retirement, he taught educational leadership classes at Muskingum University. Many future school administrators learned a lot because of Regis’ experiences and the way he didn’t teach out of the book. He and Marsha also took many trips across the United States in retirement including a trip to Ireland. Later, they enjoyed taking the entire family on vacations. He also enjoyed taking his sons, nephew, grandsons and friends on fishing trips to Canada. He belonged to many community and professional organizations including the Cambridge Lions Club, BASA, Guernsey County Port Authority, the Fishing Under Pap Association and many others. He earned many professional awards as a school administrator. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim, sister Margie Eddy and numerous family members and friends He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Marsha Santonas Woods and sons Pete (Tara) of Zanesville, Scott (Juli) of Cambridge and his granddog buddy Max. Also surviving are his nephews Jim Woods and Shawn (Melissa) Eddy who were like sons to him and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. He loved his family very much. Regis’ true calling was being called “Pappy” by his grandchildren Jared, Hannah, Maggie and Tyler. They were the sparkle in his Irish eyes. He knew what true love was with the birth of his grandchildren. He and Grandma attended as many of their school and athletic events as possible. Many a sleepover was held at their house that included stories of Glen Robbins, Euchre, popcorn, staying up late and Pap stories. Calling Hours: Saturday February 7 from 12pm-2pm and 4pm-6pm at Bundy-Law Funeral Home and on Sunday February 8th at Cambridge Intermediate School, 1451 Deerpath Drive, Cambridge OH. from 1pm to 2pm with the service to begin at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bellaire Local Schools % Derrick McAfee, 340 34th Street, Bellaire OH 43769 or Cambridge City Schools % of Ed Wright, 518 South 8th Street, Cambridge OH 43725. Money donated to these schools will go to help kids in need. The family would like to give special thanks to his caregivers, Vicki, Nancy, Ashley, Shelby and Debbie as well as granddaughter Hannah who was Pappy’s devoted Sunday companion, for all of their love and support, as well as the compassionate staff at Genesis Hospital CCU and Morrison House. A private burial will take place as the family’s convenience at Upland Heights Cemetery, Rayland OH. Regis' online tribute wall may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.

Regis Leonard Woods

September 7, 1943 - January 30, 2026