Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/904267
November 2017 | Overdrive | 57 T here's nothing more important to owner- operator Richard Woods than God and family. While the winner of the 2017 Overdrive- Red Eye Radio's Trucker Talent Search also loves driving his truck, playing guitar and singing, family takes priority. He spent a couple of years hauling for Hollywood, but even the draw of a generous paycheck couldn't keep him away. He returned home to Mississippi to be closer to his four chil- dren. And if the showing of support at the TTS finals in Dallas wasn't enough to prove the familial devotion — 10 people attended, in- cluding two of his children, his brother and his brother's family — just ask any one of Woods' relatives about him. "He's a Christian guy and has a lot of faith in our family," says his uncle, Pat Woods. "He's down to earth and would do anything for anybody. He's always willing to lend a helping hand." Richard Woods, 42, was born in Marshall County, Mississippi, and only recently moved to an adjacent county in the northeast end of the state. "All my dad's family are from Byhalia," he says. "Mom's folks are from Pontotoc, Mississippi." With so many relatives living close by, family gatherings were common- place. Woods often watched his dad, Prentis Woods, and Uncle Pat play and sing together. "You just pass it down gen- eration to generation, the love of music and Max Heine Trucker Talent Search winner stays true to his roots BY KATHLEEN CRAFT Hauling regionally allows Richard Woods to stay close to home, giving him plenty of time with his family and allowing him to play with his church's worship team. Overdrive-Red Eye Radio s November 2017 | Overdrive | 57