Randall J. Woods ’70

Randy died March 16, 2020, at the University of Chicago Hospital.  

He came to us from Hinsdale (Ill.) High School, where he set the high hurdles record and was president of the National Honor Society. At Princeton he ran track and majored in sociology. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army and was sent to the Defense Language Institute. He earned a diploma in Czech with honors and then worked for the NSA. 

Randy pursued a career in business and always worked to broaden his knowledge base. He first earned a master’s in engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology while working for his father’s company. His second graduate degree was an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1976, which led to a career of more than 40 years at FMC. He set the gold standard for embracing a lifetime of learning, earning a third master’s degree from DePaul and his fourth from Northwestern; he finished his Ph.D. in English with a thesis on the works of T.S. Eliot in 2007.  

But being a dad was the role he valued above all; he was an example of patience and love. He was a dedicated servant of Grace Episcopal Church in Hinsdale; he also served on multiple pension-fund boards and continued to consult with FMC until his last days.  

He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann; children Paul and Carrie; seven grandchildren; and sister Cindy Delack; as well as countless friends. Along with them, we deeply miss such a learned and giving friend.