Stephen R. Woody

Stephen Randall “Steve” Woody, 61, of Fairfax Station, Virginia passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024 after a brave and prolonged battle with cancer. A beloved husband, father, poppy, son, brother, and friend; He will truly be missed by many. Born September 1, 1962, in Montgomery, West Virginia to Josephine Marshall and Jack Woody, Steve spent a majority of his childhood in the state and was a proud West Virginian. Steve was a graduate of Bishop Donahue High School, Class of 1980. He went on to pursue an undergraduate degree at West Virginia University (WVU), Class of 1984, and then graduated with his Doctorate of JurisPrudence from WVU Law School in 1987. He pursued a 22-year career in the United States Air Force, serving as a Judge Advocate General, before retiring as a highly respected Colonel. Steve then transitioned to the Social Security Administration (SSA) as an Administrative Law Judge. After three years with the SSA, he went on to work for the National Transportation Safety Board (NSTB). Loving his job, he earned the distinction of being sworn in as the Chief Administrative Law Judge at the NTSB, where he finished his career. On June 6, 1987, Steve married his college sweetheart, Lisa Bettinger, in a ceremony that remains a cherished memory for all who attended. Together over 40 years and married for over 37 years, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the joyous hustle and bustle of raising their two sons, Drew and Mitch, across multiple military assignments, domestic and abroad. Steve is predeceased by his father, Jack Woody. His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his wife, Lisa Bettinger Woody; his sons Drew (Michelle) and Mitch (Jennie) Woody; his mother, Josephine Woody; his five sisters, Cindi Woody, Karen (Todd) Taylor, Becky Steele, Christi (Bobby) Couch, and Stacey Woody; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Steve’s legacy is also carried on by his adored grandchildren: Bryson, Aubrey, and Declan. Despite Steve’s distinguished career as a Colonel and Chief Judge, there was no title he cherished more than Poppy to his three young grandchildren. Each of them will remember their Poppy for his boundless energy and affection. Relatives and friends will be received at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22315 for a visitation on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 5-8 PM. A funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10:30 AM. The interment will immediately follow at Fairfax Memorial Park, Fairfax, Virginia 22032. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Fairfax Inova Schar Cancer Institute: https://join.inova.org/cancerservices.

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Stephen R. Woody

September 1, 1962 - July 29, 2024