Woodrow Williams

07/27/1938 ~ 12/06/2013
Woodrow (Woody) Allen Williams went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 6, 2013 surrounded by about 20 family members who loved him so much. He was born in San Jose, CA on July 27, 1938 and was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Woodrow Williams, and his brother, Gary Williams. Although a native Californian, he and his wife, Barbara, moved to Bellingham, WA in 2011 to be near the extended family.
Woody was an excellent student and a patriot. He loved his country and served as an officer in the USAF 1961-64 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, providing weather forecasting for the eastern USAF and Canadian AF pilots during a time when Russia US relations were very tedious. While in the service he worked diligently to establish a new Master’s Degree program in Meteorology at San Jose State College, working with the college and the State Chancellor. He was successful and after his military service he went back to San Jose State College and was the first recipient of a Master’s Degree in Meteorology from San Jose State.
Ever since watching Ronald Reagan host the General Electric Theatre in the 1950s, Woody had a fascination with GE. As a grammar school boy he loved reading about the atom and was fascinated with nuclear energy. After he received his Master’s Degree in Meteorology it was fitting that he started his working career at the General Electric Nuclear Energy Division in San Jose where he worked for 34-1/2 years before retiring. He visited personally with Dr. Theodore Fujita in Chicago, discussing his ratings of tornadoes (F1-F5 tornadoes) and that data was used by Woody in working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington DC on the safety and eventual nuclear power plant licensing. Woody retired as the Manager, Advance Reactor Commercial Programs and was respected by all who knew him as a kind, patient, and supportive leader. He especially loved mentoring the brilliant interns that joined GE and referred to the Chinese/Taiwanese students as “his kids”.
Woody was a master craftsman and loved working with wood. He made entertainment centers, beds, rocking horses, and office furniture. He used very few nails, putting the pieces together with wooden dowels. He painstakingly made his furniture with patience and pride.
Woody also served as the Area Chairman of the Billy Graham Crusade in San Jose, CA in 1981. He loved Billy Graham and appreciated his ability to reach so many people for the Lord that Woody loved. He served in many leadership functions at Willow Glen Baptist Church in CA for many years.
Woody was also a lover of photography. On his many travels around the world for GE and his vacation travel with Barbara, he took his Canon camera along with very large lenses, many times being dubbed “Mr. CNN” by friends. He took Barbara, his wife, on more than 20 cruises. When in St. Petersburg, Russia, the lady tour guide asked Barbara if she would go back to the US and bring her back a man just like Woody as she so appreciated the man Woody was after watching him on the day tour.
Woody loved to eat out at the many fine restaurants here in Bellingham. Every Monday night, he could be seen at Hearthfire Grill at 5:30 PM, eating with the “Group of 8”, one sister-in-law and two cousins along with their husbands, all married more than 55 years.
Woody loved his family, especially his daughters and grandchildren. He never hesitated to be with them and would help in any way he could. He loved being with the “Group of 8” any time he could. People that met Woody and knew him appreciated his smile, his warmth and his kindness.
Woody leaves behind his wife, Barbara, of 55 years, his loving daughters Cindee (Ron) Roybal and Nancy (Mike) Harveston, as well as his 5 loving grandchildren, Christopher and Douglas Jay Roybal, and Daniel, Bradley and Kevin Nelson, all of Bellingham. He leaves behind two daughters in California, Brenda (Craig) Selness and Teresa (Mike) Dille as well as grandchildren Stephanie, Ryan and Kelsey Selness, and Joshua and Jeremy Dille, and many other extended family members and friends who loved him.
Memorial donations in Woody’s honor may be made to Lynden Christian High School where Woody’s grandsons, Bradley and Kevin Nelson attend. Woody loved the ministry and outstanding education that Lynden Christian School provides young people in the greater Lynden/Bellingham area.
A funeral service will be held at Westford Family Funeral Home on Monday, December 16 at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Greenacres Cemetery.

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