Phillip P. Woodson

Phillip Powers Woodson, died Thursday April 14, 2016 at the age of 93. Mr. Woodson was the son of Edward Randolph and Hydenia Cosby Woodson. Mr. Woodson is survived by his daughter, Kathie Woodson Cavendish, brother Reinhardt Woodson; sister, Juanita Woodson Marchetti; daughter in law, Christina Maureen Woodson; and grand-children , Rachael, Alice, Aaron and David Woodson.

Mr. Woodson was a member of Babcock Lodge No. 322, AF & AM and a former member of the Scottish Rite and Acca Temple. Mr. Woodson was a veteran of World War Two and participated in thirteen major Naval Operations in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war. Naval engagements including the following: Casablanca, French Morocco, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, Eniwetok, Marshall Islands, Saipan, Kwajalein, Guam , Titian, Hollandia, New Guinea, Palau Raid, Morotai, Balikpapan, Boreno , Leyte- Philippines, second Battle of Philippines, and Okinawa.

In addition to numerous decorations and ribbons, Mr. Woodson was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by President Harry S. Truman for outstanding service and bravery during the Second Battle of the Philippines, where Mr. Woodson‘s Ship, U.S.S. Suwannee received extensive bombing damage and loss of life from two Japanese suicide aircraft that dived into the flight deck and Bridge of the carrier. Following Mr. Woodson ‘s Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy, he joined the Naval reserve and retired after ten years of Honorable service with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Following Mr. Woodson’s active naval service, he joined the Richmond Police Department. During twenty-four years of service with the police department Mr. Woodson rose from the rank of Patrolman to Police Major. He graduated from the 60Th Session of the F.B.I. National Academy in Washington, D.C. and received his graduation diploma from F.B.I. Director John Edgar Hoover. Mr. Woodson was a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also received a L.L .G. Degree in Law and taught Criminal Justice for several years at John Tyler Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N Parham Road, Richmond Virginia, at 1:00 P.M Saturday May 14, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that Memorial contributions be made to a local chapter of the S.P.C.A.

Arrangements under the direction of Woody Funeral Home-Parham, Richmond, VA.