William “Woody” Woodward, 84, of Murphy, North Carolina, formerly of Panama City, Florida, Crossed the Bar going home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 27, 2024 following a long, valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born November 15, 1939 in Belhaven, North Carolina to the late Grover Cleveland and Mildred Johnston Woodward.

Woody joined the Navy in 1957 and found his niche in deep-sea diving, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), ocean salvage and on-water oil spill recovery specialties that carried him through an interesting and enviable 30+-year career followed by 25-plus years as a consultant in the maritime industry. Woody worked and trained around the world. He enjoyed his work. For Woody, work was play.

A patriot and true American, he gave his all toward protecting out freedoms. He served two and one-half combat tours in Vietnam for which he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with combat “V”, the Purple Heart Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V’, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and some twenty other Unit Commendations and campaign awards.

Woody and Sue Ellen enjoyed living life between their homes in Panama City, Florida and Murphy, North Carolina until 2022 when Murphy became their full-time home.

Woody was a Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner, a member of the American Legion-China Post #1, Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association and the Naval School Underwater Swimmers Association. He was an avid swimmer and member of the 100 Mile Club at the Hiwassee Valley Pool and Wellness Center.

He was the husband of the late Meri Ann Woodward. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Ellen Mason.

Surviving are his beloved wife and partner of 27 years, Sue Ellen Woodward; a sister, Sally Ferries and husband, Gerald; brother, Robert “Bobby” Woodward; brother-in-law, Phil Mason; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his lifelong Navy shipmates and teammates.

Graveside Services will be held 10:30 AM, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Alaqua Methodist Church Cemetery in the Foreman Family Plot.