William Bryan Woodson

Colonel William Bryan “Bill” Woodson (Ret.), U.S. Army, age 89, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends at Hospice of the Valley at Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona, following a long battle with end-stage renal disease and COPD.

Bill was born on December 24, 1936, in Tullahoma, Tennessee, to Bryan Ewing Woodson and Beulah Esther Logsdon Woodson. From an early age, he demonstrated the determination, courage, and sense of purpose that would define his remarkable life.

Bill proudly served his country for 24 years in the United States Army as an Army Aviator, retiring with the rank of Colonel as Commander of the Army Test and Development Activity at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Throughout his distinguished military career, he earned the respect of all who served alongside him. A Master Aviator, Bill flew both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. He served as both a pilot and paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War and was also an accomplished skydiver.

A proud graduate of Auburn University, Bill was the nation’s top ROTC graduate in 1960, receiving the prestigious Mershon Award and being honored at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Convention in Washington, D.C., by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech in 1969.

His military education included the Rotary Wing Aviator Course (1962), Engineer Advanced Course (1962), Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course (1969), OV-1 Instructor Pilot Course (1970), Navy Test Pilot School (1970), Command and General Staff College (1974), and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (1981).

Bill graduated with top honors from the Naval Test Pilot School and remained there as an instructor before serving on the school’s selection board throughout the remainder of his military career. During two tours in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, he repeatedly flew into active combat zones under enemy fire, courageously rescuing and transporting troops to safety. His exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and selfless bravery exemplified the very best of military service.

Among his many military honors were the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Parachutist Badge, and Master Aviator Badge.

Following his military retirement, Bill continued his work internationally alongside his beloved wife, Lynda. Together they lived in England, Egypt, Zagreb, Croatia, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. They frequently traveled to Germany to visit dear friends and enjoyed memorable vacations throughout Scotland, Ireland, Budapest, Alaska, Acapulco, Hawaii, France—including the beaches of Normandy—and Spain.

When not working abroad, Bill held engineering and leadership positions with Sikorsky, Raytheon Defense, McDonnell Douglas, and Camber Corporation. As Senior Engineer at Corpus Christi Army Depot, he directed maintenance operations and budgeting for aircraft returning from Operation Desert Storm, ensuring helicopters and aircraft were restored and returned to service. He never lost his passion for aviation or for the men and women who dedicated their lives to aerospace and military flight.

Bill retired in 2008 to spend more time with Lynda, enjoy fishing and hunting with lifelong friends, attend Army reunions, and continue traveling. In retirement, he especially loved cooking on his Traeger grill, creating new barbecue recipes, and sharing meals with family and friends. A proud Southerner, he made it a priority to pass along cherished Southern recipes and culinary traditions to his family.

During their 38 years of marriage, Bill and Lynda built a life founded on steadfast love, mutual respect, and unwavering support. Through every joy and challenge, Bil often said, “I do not know what I would do without my Lynda.”

Bill found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved riding motorcycles through the Mojave Desert during his years at Edwards Air Force Base and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Some of his happiest moments were spent with close friends on hunting and fishing trips. An enthusiastic reader, he had a lifelong appreciation for history, historical novels, politics, and current events, while remaining devoted to the conservative American values he held dear.

Those who knew Bill will remember his unmistakable presence, warm smile, infectious charisma, sharp wit, keen intelligence, and genuine generosity. He believed deeply in hard work, personal responsibility, accountability, honesty, and living without excuses. Above all else, Bil treasured his family. His greatest pride was found in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose lives were forever enriched by his love, wisdom, and example.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Lynda Beck Woodson; his daughter, Janice Woodson Beattie and husband, Clinten Dale Beattie; his grandchildren, William Horatio Brown VI, Joshua Adam Brown, Kelton Mason Beattie (Andrea), and Reyna Beattie Eyerly (Charlie); his great-grandchildren, Knox Zeno Beattie, Camila Jolie Beattie, and Montgomery Dane Eyerly; and his niece, Joy Woodson Martin (Paul).

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, William Craig Woodson.

Colonel William Bryan “Bill” Woodson leaves behind a legacy of honor, courage, integrity, service, and unwavering devotion to his family and country. He lived boldly, loved deeply, and led by example. His influence will continue to live on through the generations who carry forward his values, his love of country, and the remarkable example he set throughout his life.