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Woodrow Garrett, Jr.

Jan 26, 2023

Woodrow Garrett, Jr., aged 80, of Shepherdstown, West Virginia died peacefully in his sleep early on the morning of December 23, 2022.

Woodrow, known as “Woody” to everyone other than his mother, was born to Woodrow Sr. and Edna Garrett in 1942 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1962 he married Rebecca “Becky” Garrett, and together they raised one child, Marc.

Woody and Becky met in high school. He was a starter for the football team when the twirling, flaming batons of the head majorette caught his eye. They married soon after and were together until she passed in 2008.

Woody was a lifelong Sooner. He received a BA from the University of Oklahoma, and a Masters of Public Administration from Georgia State University. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam, after which he spent most of his professional career at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia.

Within a few years of his wife’s passing, Woody made a new home and a new life in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. From joining the New Street United Methodist Church, to volunteering at the Shepherdstown Fire Department, bingo, the library, and the apple butter festival, his heart was imbued with the spirit of community.

Always a gentleman, politesse and dignity were core to his being. Even on his last day in hospice he said “please” and “thank you.” He had many roles and excelled at all of them: father, grandfather, husband, uncle, veteran, friend, and pillar of his community. He was kind, engaged, and active until the end. He was able to celebrate his last Easter with his granddaughter at the National Cathedral, and he spent his last Thanksgiving with his son, grandchildren, and in-laws.

Woody is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, and his wife. He is survived by his son, Marc, his daughter-in-law Wasima, his grandchildren Leander, Liam, and Aella, his sister-in-law Susan Opalka of Alaska, and his many nieces and nephews.

A public drop-in service will be held at 1 p.m. on January 29, 2023, at the Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department. A graveside service in Oklahoma will be held this Spring.

Condolences may be expressed at www.eackles-spencerfuneralhome.com.