Richard Robert Woody

Richard Robert Woody, Sr. 86, of Forest, Virginia died February 5, 2021. He was the husband of the love of his life and best friend, Bettie Jane Whitehead Woody, for over 60 years.

He was born October 28, 1934, in Lynchburg, Virginia, a son of the late Richard William Woody, and Edith May Cassaday Woody. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Gregory Allan Woody and a brother John Daniel Woody.

He is survived by his wife and daughters, Donna Marie Woody, Debra Ann Woody Milam of Lynchburg, son Richard Robert Woody, II, of Lynchburg. Also, grandchildren Jeffrey Scott Milam of Chicago, IL, John Wilson Milam of San Antonio, TX, Chad Alan Milam of Jacksonville, FL, Amber Deana Woody Gordon (Tyler) of Bedford, VA, Taylor Leigh Woody, Geoffrey Allan Woody of Lynchburg, and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers and sisters-in-law, Lawrence Gordon Woody (Hortense) of Lynchburg, Clarence Preston Woody (Carolyn) of Rocky Mount, VA, Gene Autry Woody (Carol) of Spout Springs, VA, and nieces and nephews.

He was educated in Lynchburg public schools which included Fairview Elementary, Robert E. Lee Junior High School and graduated from E.C. Glass High School. He graduated from Ford Motor Company Sales Management Institute.

He began his business career in 1954 with Cavalier Television, Lynchburg, Virginia as a salesperson. In 1958, he was employed by Virginian Ford as a salesperson. He was a Sales Manager there from 1960 until 1968. He was Vice-President General Manager for Kenneth Hammersley Motors where he purchased the MG-Jaguar Franchise and opened Richard Woody Motors in 1970. Mr. Woody purchased the Buick Franchise in 1971 and opened Pinesbrook Motors, Inc. in 1972. He acquired the Jeep Eagle Franchise in 1974. In 1985, he opened a rental car dealership in Greensboro, NC and on in Richmond, VA. He also founded a food distribution business in Richmond, VA. He operated these businesses until he sold them and retired in 1990 after 36 years as a Professional Salesperson & Business Owner.

Mr. Woody has recruited in 1991 by Nichols, Campbell, Morrow as an Automobile Dealer 20 Group Moderator, which included dealer management training and financial analysis. In 1993, a national corporation recruited Mr. Woody as a motivational speaker where he traveled internationally speaking before business owners and managers. The highlight of his professional career came as the Keynote Speaker at the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Associations annual convention.

He was a Charter Member of Timberlake Christian Church. He had served there as a Deacon, Elder, Trustee, and Chairman of the Finance Committee. He had served as Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Christian Church in Virginia-Disciples of Christ. He was a member of Hill City Masonic Lodge #183 AF & AM.

Mr. Woody had five beliefs in his life. First was God, second was Jesus Christ his Savior, third was his family, which he loved with a passion, fourth was his profession to which he gave his all, and fifth was himself. This is exactly the way he lived his life.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nursing staff of Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Mackenzie Lipscomb, Breana Rojas, Heather Cook and Gwen Mosebrook for the skilled and dedicated care for treating our beloved Richard as one of their own family members. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to Dr. Moira Rafferty and Dr. Peter Betz for their support.

At Richard’s request, a celebration of his life will be conducted by his family in a private service.

Memorial contributions may be sent to; Alzheimer’s Association, 3831 Old Forest Rd. Suite #7 Lynchburg, VA 24504 and Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24502, or the charity of your choice.

 Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.