John K. Woody, Jr.

John K. Woody, Jr., age 76, died at Duke Hospital on July 22, surrounded by family, after battling heart disease for some time. He was born on December 11, 1944, in Durham, the son of John and Edna (Luquire) Woody, both deceased.

John attended Hope Valley Elementary School and Southern High School where he played guard on the football team and was catcher on the state championship baseball team. He graduated from Western Carolina University in 1967 with a degree in Industrial Technology.

He married his college sweetheart, Judy Watterson, and would have celebrated 55 years of marriage in August. Following teaching in Calhoun, Georgia, and at Holton Junior High School in Durham, he joined his father at Aldridge Power Mower, primarily concentrating on the wholesale end of the business. In 1976, he formed Mid-Atlantic STIHL, which grew to be the third largest STIHL distributor in the U.S. He was recognized locally as the Small Business Person of the Year in 1991 by the Durham Chamber of Commerce for contributions to the Economy and Community and was awarded the prestigious U.S. Distributor of the Year Award in 1994 by STIHL Incorporated. He sold MAS and retired in 1998, purchased a motor home and traveled with his wife to Alaska and across the country several times. He enjoyed travel, offshore fishing, golf, snow skiing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of Yates Baptist Church and Friendly City Kiwanis Club.

John (“Pop”) was one of a kind. He was called “Wide Open Woody” for a reason. He was energetic and spirited, loved a good debate, was generous to many causes, and was a great mentor. He never met a stranger. He loved the beach and enjoyed shooting fireworks, (sometimes to the consternation of the Wrightsville Beach police, who knew him by name). He loved his family hard and with a passion. He never said goodbye to his sons or his grandchildren without telling them he loved them and was proud of them. The world lost a special and unique person with his passing and he will be sorely missed by many.

He is survived by his wife Judy, sons, John K. Woody, III (Johnny), his wife Jessica and James Watterson Woody (Jimmy) and his wife Robin, all of Raleigh; 5 grandchildren whom he adored; Gavin, Maddox, Reese, Banks, and Jett. He is also survived by his brother Daniel Hugh Woody, his wife Ashley and niece Patty of Mt Pleasant, SC.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm Thursday, July 29, 2021 at Yates Baptist Church in Durham, followed by a reception at Hope Valley Country Club. John would prefer casual dress, no ties necessary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Honoring God's House at Yates Baptist Church, the American Heart Association, or any charity of your choice.

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