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TACAMO Fallen: Charlie Woody
February 7, 1947 - October 3, 2026
Born on February 7, 1947, in Pittsburg, PA Charles Irvin Wooddy, better known as Charlie, lived a life of service to his family, his country and the Masonic community. He shared 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Rosa.
Charlie answered the call to duty on 19 July 1965 and proudly served his country on active duty in the United States Navy for 28 years and retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander on 31 July 1993.
A proud member of the Masonic Community he is currently serving as Worshipful Master of Denmark Danes #154 and is a Past Master of Richland Lodge #748 and Tipton Lodge #226. He served the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Tennessee as Grand Steward in 2008.
A 33° Inspector General Honorary he was a proud member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Memphis TN, and Orient of Southern Maryland. Brother Charlie was also a member of Munford Chapter #380 and Julia Halla Chapter #107 Order of the Eastern Star; Life member of Al Chymia Shriners; Life member of European Shrine Club; member West Tennessee Past Masters’ Association; Past President of the Masonic Veterans Association of Memphis, TN; Past Grand Tall Cedar of West Tennessee Forest #213, Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North Americal ; National Sojourners, Inc, Past President of Volunteer Chapter #14 and Past Commander of Colonel Isaac Shelby Camp, Heroes of ’76; member Munford Scottish Rite Club; and Life member of Yellow Dogs, Orient of Nashville, TN.
Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Thomas W. Wooddy Sr. and his mother, Mary E. Wooddy. He is survived by his wife Rosa Wendele Whitson Wooddy, He is also survived by his Brother Thomas W. Wooddy, Jr. of Monroeville, PA, and Niece Sheri Jones of Pittsburgh, PA.
Thank you, Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, for sharing Charlie's passing with TCVA.
The TACAMO Community extends its sympathy and prayers for peace to Charlie's family and friends during this time of passing.
I came to know Charlie back in the early 2000's when I was working at NSA Mid-South (Millington) following my retirement from the Navy. I learned there were a few other former TACAMO sailors in the area and some working on the base too. With these folks, including Charlie and Perry Pena, we formed a small committee to plan two "old school" TACAMO reunions in Millington prior to the formal stand-up of TVA/TCVA, which were fairly well attended. My deepest condolences to the Wooddy family. Gary Fodor/RMC/USN (ret)
All of us who showed up as second and third generation TACAMO at VQ-4 had the pleasure of working with Charlie. Whether it was in the aircraft or the crypto vault, he was a total professional that could be counted on to take care of his shipmates. My condolences go out to Rosa, family and friends.
John Ryan /Captain/USN/Ret
My Heartfelt condolences and prayers to Rosa and the Wooddy family. Indeed, this is a hard e-mail to receive. Charlie and I served in VQ-4 together and were neighbors in West Tennessee, becaming friend's in my 24 years in the Millington community. A great friend and brother. Perry Pena, ADC, USN (Ret)
New Charlie a long time from my Tacamo day's and NTC Annapolis. Always treated me with a kind word and a good joke. He will be missed. RM-1 (retired) Gregory Pattison
Very sorry to hear. Flew many missions with Chatlie!