Woodrow James “Woody” Riedel, 92, of Bay City, went to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 26, 2026. He was born June 26, 1933, in Ricardo, Texas, to the late Walter Riedel and Nettie Thormaehlen Riedel.

Woody served in the Army as a tank driver and after returning from service, he started dating and then married the love of his life, Eileen Kuntscher. They spent over 67 years together.

Woody was a welder and boilermaker who began his career at Celanese in Bishop, Texas. In 1965, he transferred to the Celanese plant in Bay City, moving with his wife and their seven young children for a new adventure. His youngest daughter was born 6 years later. He worked hard to support his large family, taking them on yearly trips to Garner State Park where he loved to go horseback riding and swim in the Frio. He retired from Celanese at the young age of 57.

He was happiest outside—hands in the dirt, tending the garden, and caring for his fruit trees like they were part of the family. Inside his shop, he could lose track of time woodworking, shaping rough boards into useful, one-of-a-kind pieces with patience and pride. If something was broken, he didn’t just fix it, he made it right, the way he believed things ought to be. When his grandchildren were growing up, their visits filled his days with the kind of joy that stays with you. You could find him pulling them along in a wagon, giving an extra push on the big rope swing, steadying a bike as they learned to ride, hunting for bugs, or working side by side in the garden. He made ordinary moments feel safe and special. He loved them deeply, and they loved their Pawpaw right back.

Woody was a devoted Christian who lived his faith with quiet consistency and genuine compassion. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and he spoke openly about the hope he found in the Lord, sharing Scripture with those he met. Deeply committed to his church family, he faithfully served by leading Bible study and prayer meetings, and by stepping in wherever and whenever he was needed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Chris; sister, Peggy Dvorak; and daughter-in-law, Leslie (Lel) Riedel.

Survivors include his wife, Eileen Kuntscher Riedel; daughters, Teresa Dixon, Valerie Riedel, Melinda Moudy, Melissa Simons, and Jennifer Riedel; sons, Richard James Riedel and Woodrow James “Jamey” Riedel (Irene); grandchildren, Susan Fehmel, Robyn Mielsch, R. J. Riedel, Craig Weisman, Sean Riedel, Monica Lowry, Brian Moudy, Brandon Simons, Jonathon Simons, Nicholas Simons, and Bailey Ervin; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Bay City. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Sean Riedel, R. J. Riedel, Brian Moudy, Brandon Simons, Jonathon Simons, and Nicholas Simons.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Loving Legacy in Angleton and Angels Hospice in Bay City for the compassionate care, kindness, and comfort they provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).