WOODSON, Donald Edward, "Morley," of Amherst, Va. passed from this earth on Sunday morning August 8, 2021, at age 78 in Mechanicsville, Va. This will bring great sorrow to all who knew him. This sorrow pales in comparison to the joy and positivity that he brought to the world which will live with us forever. "Donny," as he was known as a child, was born on December 21, 1942, in Buchanan, Va. Hard work was no stranger, as Donny grew up farming and selling produce with his grandfather, A.T. Vassar, working before and after school. He was a member of the Amherst County High School class of 1961. His 44-plus years of service to the United States of America began in 1961 when he joined the Air Force. Now nicknamed "Woody," he loved to tell stories about his first overseas deployment to France as a teenager and playing football for the Air Force. During his 21-year Air Force career he served in France, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and all over the U.S., including time with the Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Squadron. During his service, he earned numerous medals and awards, including the Vietnam Service Ribbon with a Bronze Service Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Small Arms Expert to name but a few. Following retirement in 1982, Woody joined the Depart of the Navy stationed in Norfolk, Va. and Jacksonville, Fla. in 1989. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With the birth of his grandchildren, Donald received his favorite and current nickname, "Papa Don." Papa Don retired again in 2005, moving to Mechanicsville, Va. to spend more time caring for and enjoying his family, his favorite job. Papa Don was rarely seen without his Retired Air Force hat and Wawa coffee! He nurtured his projects with great care to detail whether a U.S. Government jet engine, his car projects, gardening or his personal relationships. Donald Woodson was a caretaker to all and a stranger to none. He is greatly loved and will be forever missed. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Christine; his children, Thomas (wife, Tricia) and Brian (wife, Mary); grandchildren, Ian, Shane and Kaileigh May; sister, Betty Sue Bryant (husband, Lee). He was preceded by his mother, Cornelia Vassar Woodson; his true father, William M. Woodson Jr.; his natural father, James K. Morley; and his brothers, William "Bill" M. III and Jerry D. Services will be held as follows: viewing 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 13 and funeral services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, both at Woody Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, Va. 23116. Burial will take place on Monday, August 16 at 11 a.m. at the Culpeper National Cemetery for Veterans, located at 305 U.S. Avenue, Culpeper, Va. 22701.