Woodson Martin

August 1, 1923 — August 28, 2016

United States veteran and Nashville native Woodson J. (Woody) Martin Jr. died on Sunday, Aug. 28. He was 93 years old. Born on Aug. 1, 1923 to Woodson and Ernestine Martin, Woody was a graduate of Duncan Preparatory School. Soon after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy V-5 program to train as a Navy pilot. He attended the University of Georgia pre-flight program and received his wings in Pensacola, Florida. He was assigned to Squadron V-C 36 as a torpedo bomber pilot. During World War II, Woody went to sea on three different carriers but remained with the same squadron mates the entire war. He continued seeing them after the conflict; they remained his closest friends. His awards included two air medals and two presidential citations. Returning to Nashville, Woody attended Vanderbilt University briefly before entering the real estate business. He worked in mortgages, appraisals and sales, and he held a broker's license for more than 50 years. Woody was a confirmed bachelor until he met Clara Chester. The couple married in 1957. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of Hillwood Country Club, where he served as an officer and board member. He was also a former member of the Sertoma Club of Nashville; the Nashville Board of Relators; Mortgage Bankers of America; Alcohol and Drug Council of Middle Tennessee; and a lifelong member of Vine Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Woody is survived by his wife Clara of Nashville; niece Katherine Vance Killebrew and children of Honolulu, Hawaii; and nephew George W. Killebrew IV (Anne) and children of Dallas, Texas. His parents and sister died previously. A special thanks goes to Doctor Bob and Bill W., both of whom had a great influence on the last 50 years of Woody's life. A memorial service to give thanks for Woody's life will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. at Vine Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 4101Harding Pike in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the memorial fund of Vine Street Christian Church. Nashville Funeral and Cremation210 McMillin St.Nashville, TN 37205615-256-1605

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Woodson Martin

August 1, 1923 — August 28, 2016

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