Joseph L. Woodward, Sr.

Joseph L. Woodward, Sr. passed away on August 28, 2024. Joe was born in Augusta, Georgia on August 3, 1938 and was a lifelong resident of the Peninsula. After graduating from Hampton High School, Joe married his high school sweetheart, our mother Beverly. Together they raised three sons and provided us with a loving environment to grow and become adults. Our father adored our mother. He was not embarrassed about it, he cherished every day he had with her, and by watching him we learned how to love, and that will be his lasting impression on us.
Joe worked at Newport News Shipyard working his way up to become at ship designer. Joe moved on from the NNS to work for John J. McMullin & Associates until his retirement in 2000. In retirement, dad enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, watching ball games, working at the Victory YMCA front kiosk and he loved riding his Harley-Davidson.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents McLeon & Marie Thurmond, whom adored him. He was an only child and they showered him with love and affection. Additionally, the love of his life, Beverly passed in 2013, and their first son Jody passed in 1992.
Joe is survived by two sons Tony Woodward (Robin), Brian Woodward (Karen), four grandchildren Courtney Kelly (Colin), Hayden Woodward (Grace), Christian Woodward, and Camden Woodward (Jackie), and seven great grandchildren, Fin, Cam, Magnolia, Timmy, Gordon, Amy & Maive. Joe was also fond of Robin’s children Shane, Jeremy & Amber.
The family would like to specially thank the staff at the Hamilton and to Linda for all their care and love shown to our father over the past Four years. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the future Yorktown Hospice House, P.O Box 704 Yorktown, VA 23692.
A celebration of life service will be held at Grafton Christian Church, 109 Brick Church Road, Yorktown on Saturday September 7, 2024 at 10am. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va.