Richard Woodson

1st Sergeant Richard Woodson, Sr. was born in Montgomery, Alabama on April 15, 1932 to the parents of Willie Dean Williams and Henry Woodson. (both deceased). He was the second oldest of five children.

Richard was educated in the Montgomery County School System, where he attended Resurrection School. He continued his education, throughout his military career.

Richard (TOP) as he was known by many, enlisted in the United States Army 1949, where he served his country honorably 23 years on active duty service. 1st Sergeant Woodson retired while assigned to the 143rd Signal Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington. He is a veteran of the Korean War and he severed two tours in the Vietnam conflict.

1st Sergeant Woodson relocated, after retiring, back to his home in Montgomery Alabama. Recognizing his God given talent to inspire and guide young people’s lives, he became a Junior ROTC instructor at W.W. Carver High School. Many young men and women joined the armed forces and have reached Senior Noncommissioned Officers as well as Field Grade Officer status.

Richard accepted Christ at an early age and He was a member of North Montgomery Missionary Baptist Church. He rededicated His life at First Assembly, on Bell Road, under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Core Barker and Pastor Johnny Jones. Richard believed in supporting the church and in his later years, he became inspired with the words and teaching he received from Pastor Hart Ramsey. Richard returned to First Assembly where Pastor Greg Kelly helped in his final transition to Glory.

Richard loved his wife, Alberta Woodson, of 62 years; he cherished his seven children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a driving force in their lives. He lived what he preached: caring for family, being responsible, the need to provide leadership, working from a plan, respecting momma, and keeping God first became the foundation he planted in his children. “He created a house full of chiefs; no Indians,”

He left this life to cross over, into eternal life, on Friday evening, January the 4th, 2013. Dad Woodson became too big for his earthly home to hold; there was a leak in the old building and he had to move. Just like Dad, he finished well with peace and joy in his heart, with his loving wife at his side and his children united to carry out his final wishes of taking care of mom and loving one another. He is safe in the arms of Jesus.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters: Mamie Lee Williams, Lillie Mae Adams,

He leaves to cherish his memories his wonderful wife Alberta Hawkins Woodson, two brothers: Melvin Williams and John-Lee Adams, four brothers in law, and four sisters in law, seven wonderful children: Sandra (Bruce) Garner, Linda (Ezekiel) Dabney, Debra (Deno) Hendon , Michael (Camille) Woodson, Richard (Sherry) Woodson, Jr., Janet Hutchinson, Frank (Treva) Woodson; 28 loving grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.