Richard Noel Woodson

MR. RICHARD NOEL WOODSON, 46 of MONROE, NC passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at Novant Health / Harris Hospice Unit in Charlotte, NC.  Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Marvin AME Zion Church, 1525 Crane Rd., Waxhaw, NC 28173.  His body lie in repose 10am to 10:55 am prior to the service at the church.  Interment with full military honors will be held 12 noon Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC. Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Monroe, NC is in charge.

"Rich" was born in Philadephia, PA, Thursday, June 5, 1969 a son of Theresa Ann Dandridge Woodson of Philadelphia, PA and the late Fredrick Woodson.  He was a 1987 graduate of West Catholic High School for Boys and in December of 1987 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served through June 1992 . During his service, Richie participated in Operation Desert Shield / Storm.  He received the following decorations and medals: Rifle Marksman Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 Bronze star, Good Condict Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze stars (Saudi Arabia/Iraq/Kuwait), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Navy Unit Commendation.

Richie met Lana Gaymen in 2001 whille they were both employed with CIGNA Healthcare.  Lana called in for IT support and Richie answered her call.  That one phone call and Rich's love of technology and helping others resulted in a devoted marriage of almost thirteen years.

Rich was preceded in death by his father; Fredrick Woodson and grandfather; James Dandridge.

He is survived by his wife; Lana; children, Jordynn and Jacsen and grandson Michael; his motherTheresa Ann Woodson of Philadelphia, PA, brothers; Frederick Woodson (Janine) of Columbus, OH and Andre Washington of Philadelphia, PA, grandmother; Annie Dandridge, uncles; Tyrone Dandridge and James Danridge both of Philadelphia, PA as well as nieces, nephews and godchildren.

As a son, brother, husband, father, friend and a proud Marine. Richie made such an impact on our lives, he was always there to offer words of wisdom and encouragement.  Richie leaves with each of us his legacy of perseverance and commitmentand he will truly be missed by all.  Memorials may be made to a charity close to Rich's heart: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org .