Woodrow “Woody” W. Via, Jr., age 83, a resident of Freeport, Florida passed away Thursday, September 9, 2021, at his residence. He was born October 1, 1937, in Charlottesville, Virginia to the late Woodrow W. and Dorothy Key Via. He honorably served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1962. Whatever vehicle Woody was driving on any certain day, whether new or old, classy or clunker, it was “shiny.” He appreciated a shiny car almost as much as he enjoyed playing his guitar, which was one of his favorite pastimes. After many years of employment with Walton County as a truck driver, he retired and started doing the things he enjoyed. One of those was to decorate full scale at Christmas time. Christmas was very special and exciting to him, and that fact was made quite evident to everyone who drove by his house during the holiday season. Woody’s residence was engulfed in lights and decorations!
He is preceded in death by one daughter, Melody June Wright; two brothers, James Donald and George William Via; and one sister, Dorothy Via Lockhart.
Woody is survived by his wife, Geraldine Via; one daughter, Nadine Knight and husband Pete; seven sons, Timmy of Strasburg, Virginia, Tony and wife Samantha of Crestview, Florida, Bobby, Johnny and wife Natayia, Bryant, Matthew Via and wife Autumn all of Freeport, Florida and Robert Wood and wife Jennifer of Ocala, Florida; son-in-law, Monty Wright of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; three sisters, Diane Ellis of Romney, West Virginia, Denona Madigan of Winchester, Virginia, and Donna Keefer of Berryville, Virginia; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Van Hagan; and one sister-in-law, Lavonia Luke.
A time of visitation will be held Monday, September 20, 2021 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Church in Freeport, Florida. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 21, 2021 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Brother Harold Taunton officiating. Committal services will follow at Hatcher Cemetery with Navy honors.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.daviswatkins.com
Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.