of Little Rock, AR

November 17, 1947 - March 10, 2025

Wayne Floyd Woods was born November 17, 1947 and raised in Dumas by his father, Floyd Woods; stepfather, Mack Burns and mother, Murlene Woods Burns. He and his older brother, Shelby were active in high school sports and Wayne was recognized as an All-American football player at Dumas High. He received an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Arkansas, but a water-skiing accident curtailed his Razorback career.

Following college, Wayne joined Shelby in the advertising business, now known as the Woods Brothers Agency. Driving an average of 75,000 miles a year in the early days cultivating clients across the state, Wayne helped a number of tourism businesses get off the ground. Soon, the agency represented dozens of these small operations which eventually grew into the foundation of the state's tourism economy.
By the time, the Woods Brothers Agency merged with the Cranford Johnson Robinson firm, the agency had over 500 tourism clients. The new Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods agency was among the largest advertising firms headquartered in the mid-South.

Wayne was instrumental in getting the state's regional tourism promotion organizations established, resulting in a dozen cooperative marketing bodies statewide, allowing private operators to pool their resources and expand their impact. Many of these folks became fast friends and expected him to be their host when they visited Little Rock. He didn't fail them.

Wayne had a few other things he was interested in besides tourism. In the early 1970s, he became a licensed hot-air balloon pilot, taking his ''Arkansas Is A Natural'' balloon around the world, to include trips to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, Australia and countless Arkansas festivals. He also liked the water, owning the motor-yacht ''Southwind'' which was a fixture on the Arkansas River. Wayne loved Lake Ouachita and spent hours enjoying its main channel and quiet coves. In addition, Wayne owned an over-powered cigarette boat that regularly terrified even his closest friends. He was known for his generosity, making the boats and balloon available for good causes across the state.

Wayne loved organizing and participating in flotillas of all kinds. He worked closely with the US Army Corps of Engineers, helping promote the river for recreation, economic development and commercial barge traffic. Recognizing his contributions, the Little Rock District of the Corps officially declared the south bank of the river in front of the home where Wayne, his wife Linda and their son, Kyzer lived for 40 years, the ''Wayne Woods Landing''.

His favorite flotilla of all times and the one that gave him the greatest satisfaction was loading his boat with friends and state leaders to promote passage of Amendment 75, also known as the 1/8 cent Conservation Amendment. This successful event included the entire length of the Arkansas River in the state and lasted a week with numerous stops and overnight stays at key communities along the route. He would tell anyone that would listen that the amendment is making our state parks system among the best in the nation, our hunting and fishing world-class and our history and heritage a source of pride for our citizens. This effort brought together a strong coalition of state agency staffs, legislators, an army of citizens and commissioners representing State Parks, Game & Fish, Heritage and Keep Arkansas Beautiful. At the flotilla's conclusion, a reception was scheduled for Wayne's riverside house. Given the thick fog and being hardly able to even find the house, everybody on shore worried about the boats yet to arrive, one of which held Governor Mike Huckabee.

Wayne received about every honor given by the tourism industry, including Person of the Year and Hall of Fame. He was active in the Arkansas Hospitality Association and served as president of the Arkansas Travel Council. He was also inducted into the Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame along with his brother for outstanding contributions to the advertising industry. He retired as former Chairman and CEO of CJRW.

Wayne's wife Linda and son, Kyzer, along with his family meant everything to him, but his friends were close behind. He had a good heart and was always the life and organizer of the party. Wayne would like to give special thanks to Dr. Dean Kumpuris for his many years of friendship and medical care and for his willingness to help others in need.

Wayne always lived and loved this maritime quote:
''Until next time,
May there always be water under your boat,
May she always be seaworthy, ever afloat,
May the bilge pump be certain to work day and night,
May the compass and charts always show the safe way,
May you find gentle harbor as every day ends,
May you lower your anchor amidst peace and good friends.''

He was preceded in death by father, Floyd Woods; mother, Murlene Woods Burns; stepfather, Mack Burns and is survived by wife, Linda; son, Kyzer; sister, Floye Ann; brother, Shelby; niece, Casey Woods Flores amd nephews, Chance, Michael and Nick Tison.

Wayne asked that his ashes be spread over the Arkansas River in front of his beloved home. A memorial service will be planned and announced in the spring for that to happen. For those who understand and appreciate the importance of tourism to our small, wonderful and beautiful state, memorials may be sent to the Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation; 300 Main Street; Little Rock, AR 72201.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com