Uriel Maret "Woody" Lovelace

Uriel Maret Lovelace, lovingly known as “Woody”, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 16, 2026. Born on September 2, 1934, in a farmhouse in Townville (Anderson County), South Carolina, he was the eldest child of Henry Uriel Lovelace and Bernice Susan Maret Lovelace.

After graduating from high school in Townville, Woody attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia and was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He remained a true Gamecock for life. Woody graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in January 1958 and was offered and accepted a job at Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) that officially became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in October 1958.

Woody was called to active duty by the U.S. Army and went to Fort Knox, KY for basic training. His tour of duty only lasted six months after which he returned to NASA but remained in the U.S. Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in December of 1963.

Woody devoted 37 years of his Aerospace Engineering career to NASA (1958-1995). His many positions included serving as Operations Engineer for both the Lunar Orbiter Missions, which mapped the Moon's surface in preparation for Apollo landings, and the Viking Project Mission, which landed two spacecrafts on the surface of Mars. He also made significant contributions as Mission Studies Division Chief while detailed to the Office of Exploration at NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC. Woody received numerous awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, for his contributions. After retirement, he was a Consulting Engineer for over 10 years, evaluating proposals for future NASA space missions.

As a long-time volunteer and avid supporter of the wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization, Ducks Unlimited (DU), Woody served in various positions in the Virginia DU organization and was State Chairman in 2001-2002. He looked forward to attending DU events, especially the National and State Conventions, where he could enjoy his DU family. Woody always said that he joined DU for the cause and remained a devoted member not only for the cause but for the incredible friendships that developed. He became a DU Major Sponsor for the rest of his life.

Woody shared a 39-year marriage of enduring love and strength with his beloved wife, Gretchen. He is survived by her, his 3 daughters, Wanda Klooster (Tom), Julie Coartney, Lynn Burling (Jim), 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Susan Welmaker (Jerry). Woody is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joyce Brock, and niece, Anna Marette Brock.

Please cherish your memories of Woody. He had a happy, productive and good life even though his last years were plagued by dementia. A memorial service celebrating Woody's life will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00 am at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg, and a reception will follow at Aberdeen Barn, 1601 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity or to Ducks Unlimited at 1653 Independence Court, Richmond, VA 23238. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.