Donald Edward Woodson

Donald Edward Woodson (Morley) of Amherst, VA passed from this earth on Sunday morning August 8, 2021, at age 78 in Mechanicsville, VA. This will bring great sorrow to all who knew him. This sorrow pales in comparison to the joy and positivity that he brought to the world which will live with us forever. Donny, as he was known as a child, was born on December 21, 1942, in Buchanan, VA. Hard work was no stranger as Donny grew up farming and selling produce with his Grandfather, A.T. Vassar, working before and after school. He was a member of the Amherst County High School class of 1961. His 44+-years of service to the United States of America began in 1961 when he joined the Air Force. Now nicknamed Woody, he loved to tell stories about his first overseas deployment to France as a teenager and playing football for the Air Force. During his 21-year Air Force career he served in France, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and all over the US, including time with the Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Squadron. During his service he earned numerous medals and awards including the Vietnam Service Ribbon with a Bronze Service Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Small Arms Expert to name but a few. Following retirement in 1982, Woody joined the Depart of the Navy stationed in Norfolk, VA and Jacksonville, FL. In 1989. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With the birth of his Grandchildren, Donald received his favorite and current nickname, Papa Don. Papa Don retired again in 2005, moving to Mechanicsville, VA to spend more time caring for and enjoying his family, his favorite job. Papa Don was rarely seen without his Retired Air Force hat and Wawa coffee! He nurtured his projects with great care to detail whether a US Government jet engine, his car projects, gardening, or his personal relationships. Donald Woodson was a caretaker to all and a stranger to none. He is greatly loved and will be forever missed.

He is survived by his wife of 55-years Christine, his children Thomas (wife Tricia) and Brian (wife Mary), Grandchildren Ian, Shane and Kaileigh May, Sister Betty Sue Bryant (husband Lee). He is preceded by his mother Cornelia Vassar Woodson, his true father William M. Woodson Jr, his natural father James K Morley, and his brothers William (Bill) M III, and Jerry D.

Services will be held as follows: Viewing 6- 8pm Friday August 13, and Funeral Services at 2pm on Saturday August 14, both at Woody Funeral Home 9271 Shady Grove Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. Burial will take place on Monday August 16, at 11am at the Culpeper National Cemetery for Veterans located at 305 US Avenue, Culpeper, VA 22701.