Obituary for Walter Lee Woody

Walter Lee Woody, age 90, of Clay County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, following a short illness.

Born February 5, 1936, Walter was a lifelong resident of Clay County and a devoted member of First Freewill Baptist Church in Hayesville. A loving husband and dedicated father, he leaves behind a legacy of Christian faith, hard work, and the importance of loving others. Walter spent his life working in civil and utility construction and was known throughout the community for his strong work ethic. He was an extremely hardworking man who often worked from daybreak until dark, yet he always observed the Sabbath. In addition to his construction work, Walter was a gifted beekeeper. He tended bees for more than eighty years, often managing over one hundred hives, and supplied honey throughout the southern United States.

Walter loved the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed fishing, working with his bees, and spending time visiting with family and friends. He was a beloved friend who always had time for a chat and was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He especially enjoyed gathering with his buddies at local restaurants and around the garage, sharing stories and laughter. Walter was well known for his warm personality and playful sense of humor. He loved to tease and would often tell people they were his favorite or the prettiest he had ever seen. His kindness, humor, and generous spirit made him someone people were always happy to see.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Woody and Helen Eller Woody; his beloved wife, Mildred Janie Woody; and his son, Mark Woody.

Walter is survived by his children: Preston and Debbie Woody; Janie Carpenter and husband Rod McDonald; Lisa and husband Dwayne Phillips; Walt and Tressa Woody; and Trent and Alicia Woody. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Aleesha Dunham and husband Matthew, Blake Phillips and wife Julia, Jeremy Woody, Spencer Woody, Heather Nichols and husband Randy, Hailey Rice and husband Christian, Taylor Woody and wife Brittany, Luke Woody, and Genisis Woody. He was blessed with several great grandchildren: Kaden and Kelsey Phillips, Weston and Quinn Dunham, Lake Woody, Jensen and Jadrian Nichols and Birdie and Cash Woody.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, at First Freewill Baptist Church in Hayesville, North Carolina. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Chris Rumfelt will officiate. Pallbearers will be Blake Phillips, Spencer Woody, Jeremy Woody, Taylor Woody, Luke Woody, Trent Woody, and Ronnie Sherlin. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Edwards, Larry Rumfelt, Wallace Ledford, and Willard Nichols.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com