William J. Woodward, Jr., CDR, USN (Ret) of La Jara, CO, died peacefully on February 3, 2023, at his home in Las Vegas, NV.

William is survived by his sons, Jack Woodward of San Diego, CA, and Bill Woodward of Portland, OR, and his grandson Matthew Woodward. He was preceded in death by his parents, William "Jess" and Elsie Woodward; his brother, Clyde Woodward; and his wife, Linda Woodward.

William "Bill" Woodward was born in La Jara, CO, on May 31, 1935. He graduated from La Jara High School in 1953 and was part of the La Jara Wildcats state champion football team in 1951.

Upon graduation in 1953, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of Radarman Second Class. He served aboard the USS Silverstein, homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and the USS Whitehurst, which was homeported in Yakuska, Japan. After finishing his enlistment, he enrolled at Adams State College, where he was a member of the Navy Reserve Unit. He graduated from ASC in 1961 with a BA in Business Administration. While completing his studies at Adams State, Bill also worked for the Colorado State Highway Department.

Bill then returned to the Navy, this time as part of the officer corps. He was accepted in the Aviation Officers Training Program at Pensacola, Fla, and upon completion of flight school was commissioned an Ensign and "Naval Aviator", receiving his "Wings of Gold" in late 1961.

During his career as an officer, Bill was assigned to various duty stations including sea-going squadrons at: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA, (RVAH-13); Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla, (VAP-62) where he flew the A-3 'Skywarrior'; and again at Whidbey Island as part of squadron (VA-52) where he flew the A-6 Intruder. Bill flew carrier operations aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), serving three combat tours and completing 296 combat missions over North Vietnam. He received Distinguished Flying Cross Medals (4 awards) for Exceptional Air Combat Proficiency and Heroism, Air Metals (10 awards), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, The Defense Service Medal (with 3 Bronze Stars), Republic of Vietnam Unit Citation (with Gallantry Cross), Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Other assignments included tours of duty at Kirkland AFB in Albuquerque, NM, for the Defense Department Nuclear Agency, and the Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility. His final duty station was in Honolulu, HI, where he served on the staff of the U.S. Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet. Bill retired in 1980 with the rank of Commander, and his retirement ceremony was presided over by four-star Admiral Donald C. "Red Dog" Davis, then Commander of the US Pacific Fleet.

After his retirement, Bill took on a new challenge, continuing to wear the uniform and to serve. He became the Head Naval Science Officer at both Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, NM, and, later, at Socorro High School in El Paso, TX. At Socorro, his unit was named the number one high school NJROTC program in the United States and it remained one of the top units in the country under his leadership. Bill loved working with young people and positively affected many of his students' lives, with many of them also going on to serve and build careers in the armed forces.

Bill was a devoted father, husband, and mentor. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed traveling between his homes in Las Vegas, El Paso, and La Jara. He and his fellow navy pilots and squadron mates told the grandest stories of their adventures and close calls with death. As much as he loved a good story, he loved a good laugh even more. Showering his dogs Suzi and Littleboy with affection brought always made him smile. Bill was a member of the LDS Church in La Jara, El Paso, and Las Vegas and worked with many of his brothers and sisters there as a teacher, mentor, and friend.

Bill coached baseball and football for his sons as they grew and he continued to be a source of inspiration to his boys and to his extended family, which included his three nephews, Clair, Albert, and Jeff, and his many friends throughout his life. He was proud to be from Colorado, and, in spite of his years of travel and military service around the globe, he always considered The San Luis Valley to be his true home.

Bill is deeply loved and missed by his family and friends.

A graveside memorial will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at the Sanford Cemetery.