MICHAEL MCHENRY WOODWARD of Spotsylvania, Virginia, was born September 14, 1953, and departed his earthly life on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at BridgePoint Hospital National Harbor in Washington, D.C. He was the youngest of six children and the third son of McHenry "Mack" and Etta May Ford Woodward.

Michael gave his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Zion Hill Baptist Church (Spotsylvania). He participated in all the youth activities of the church and had fond memories of, as a young child, sitting beside his mother on the piano bench as she played for Zion Hill and several other Spotsylvania churches.

EDUCATION:
An outstanding student, Michael attended John J. Wright Consolidated School from the first grade (fall 1958) until Spotsylvania integrated schools in the fall of 1968. He attended and graduated from Spotsylvania High School as an honor graduate (3rd in his class) in 1971. He was a member of the Spotsylvania High School National Honor Society, varsity football team, track team, Varsity Club, French Club, Science Club, Math Club, and the SCA. He went to Virginia Military Institute (VMI) for college in 1971 and graduated in 1975. At VMI he was a member of the varsity football team, rugby team and track team (shotput), and was vice president of the Society of Young Democrats. An avid sportsman, there were few sports he did not try - spelunking (caving), white water rafting, golf, basketball, and football. Upon his return to Fredericksburg in the late seventies, Michael played football with a semi-pro football team known as the Fredericksburg Rebels. As soon as his sons were old enough, he enrolled and coached them in Parks and Rec sports. Also, Michael was a die-hard Washington Commanders fan, to say the least.

MARRIAGE:
Michael married the love of his life, Karen Williams after many years of courtship that began in high school (geometry class). Their sons, DavidMichael and Christopher were the center of their joy. His love and caring was not limited to his own children but included many, many others - his nieces, nephews, cousins, their children and all kids in whatever neighborhood he lived. Jenai was the daughter he never had.

EMPLOYMENT:
After college in 1975, Michael moved to Richmond, Virginia where he worked as warehouse manager and department manager for Best Products in Ashland Virginia, and Branch Coordina- tor and Assistant Buyer for Unijax in Richmond, Virginia. In 1978 he returned to Spotsylvania to care for his parents and worked for General Products for twelve years as Shift Plant Manager and General Foreman. He was the consummate professional - increasing productivity, reducing costs, developing new systems, and a fierce advocate for his employees. Michael became known for his ability to increase profit margins, increase job quality, increase timely completion of jobs, and increase account retention rates as well as making significant reductions in inventory discrepancies. He was sought after by other businesses to "work his magic" for their companies. Michael joined the US Postal Service in 1994. His accomplishments included a Letter of Appreciation for outstanding performance and selection as a finalist in the Associate Supervisors' Program. Michael retired from the Postal Service in 1999 due to health reasons.

COMMUNITY EFFORTS:
Known as Junior, Uncle Jr., Woody, Michael, Bear, Dad, and Mr. Michael, he was a friend to all. He was totally devoted to all his relatives and friends, and quickly expanded his circle to include any new person. Everyone immediately recognized and felt his respect, kindness, and acceptance. He used his gifts to motivate, encourage, tutor, coach, employ, protect, celebrate, feed, and love everyone. Michael was a selfless, committed, and supportive husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. He had a quick wit and sense of humor, was compassionate, creative, and generous. He was a great cook, gardener, teacher, life coach, and confidant. He built set pieces for church plays, chaperoned school class and club trips, and volunteered in the PTA. Numerous students from pre-school through graduate school can attest to his ability to patiently teach and explain all kinds of subjects - reading, math, the sciences, history, and statistics just to name a few. He founded and coached his championship women's softball team Woody's Dreams. Michael always found a way to accomplish whatever task he desired.

FAMILY:
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Karen; his devoted sons, DavidMichael Wood- ward of Binghamton, New York and Christopher Woodward of Spotsylvania; his beloved sisters Maxine Whiting of Anthem, Arizona and Doris Annette Carter of Spotsylvania; sister-in-law Deborah Williams Carr of Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, ten nieces and nephews, numerous grand- nieces, grandnephews, great-grand nieces, cousins, and a host of other family and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, McHenry "Mack" and Etta Woodward; his brothers; Richard and Bennie Woodward, a sister Patricia Diane Winn, his brothers-in-law; John Winn, Sr., Charles Carter, Sr., and Dr. Frank Whiting; and his mother-in-law, Amy Antoine.

The wake will be held Friday, December 15 from 6 to 8. A viewing will be held on Saturday, December 16 from 11 am to noon, immediately followed by his funeral service. Interment in Mount Lawn Cemetery and repast at New Destiny Baptist Church.