Houston Lee Woody's Obituary
Houston Lee Woody, 87, of Charlotte, died November 28, 2012. He was born to the late James and Vernua Woody on March 20, 1925 at Ola, NC in an area now known as Little Cataloochee, part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Doris Chambers Woody; daughters, Karen Kester and husband George of Lexington, VA, Gail Templeton of Huntersville, NC, and Theresa Woody and husband Nathan King of Davidson; siblings, Dickie Woody and Alice Shook; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by siblings Jack Woody, Tine Woody, Mary Woody Dunn, Robert Woody, and infant brother Corky.
Known variously as Houston--- Daddy---Grandpap, Woody volunteered for service at age 18 and was selected for Cadet training in the Army Air Corps. A ball turret gunner, he served on a B-24 in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war he returned to his native North Carolina where he met his future bride. He attended Blanton Business College in Asheville .
For many years he worked at Associated Transport, Inc., then formed his own company, Veteran's Rate Auditors. He also served as president of the NC Traffic League, taught Sunday school at Mulberry Presbyterian Church, and gardened at his own home on Pinebrook Drive.
Throughout his life, he was known for his family loyalty, courage, responsibility and humility. A true inventor, Woody was also known for his creative problem-solving and for having a far-ranging mind. He enjoyed reading and travel, and visited all seven continents of our globe. He gave generously to those less fortunate than he, and lived a selfless life that served as a model for his children and grandchildren.
He was happiest outdoors-- walking or gardening-- and loved to make others laugh.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mulberry Presbyterian Church 5600 Tuckaseegee Road 28208/ Hospice of Charlotte, 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204/ or the Alzheimer's Association.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00 Saturday, December 1 at Mulberry Presbyterian Church, 5600 Tuckaseegee Rd 28208. A visitation and reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
James Funeral Home, Huntersville, is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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