Gregory Woodyard

Mr. Woodyard is survived by his wife Mrs. Marlene woodyard. 

Greg was the first son born to the marriage of Sam and Bernice Woodyard. Later, Greg gained a second loving “Dad” when his mother married Ronald Lockley. Greg had superior intellect, great curiosity, an adventuresome spirit, and music was in his genes.

Greg’s father, Sam, was a well-known musician who played in Duke Ellington’s Orchestra; Count Basie; Buddy Rich; and Ella Fitzgerald, who was also Greg’s godmother. Greg was nurtured by family members with strong civic minds and strong entrepreneurial skills. At 17 years old, while still in high school, Greg moved to NYC, formed a band, played in clubs and bars at night and traveled to NJ for school each morning. Greg attended Yale Conservatory of Music and Tuskegee University where he studied chemical engineering. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi and a 33rd Degree Mason. Greg held many prestigious and often cutting-edge positions. He received a patent for an invention he pioneered while a Process Engineer at Exxon. He was the procurement manager for Governor Robert McDonnell of Virginia. Greg did everything from starting several businesses to making a movie, to serving on non-profit boards (including Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation).

While Greg was admired for his many talents and accomplishments, what was most important to him was family and friends. He never missed an opportunity to express how proud he was of his children, Adam, Karima, and Jahaan.

When Greg met “the love of his life”, Marlene, in 2004 he embraced the role of nurturing, and guiding her three children, Nichola, Michelle, and Kyle. Together they grew into a loving

family. Greg and Marlene had three grandchildren, Ava, Elijah, and Taylor. Greg experienced Stage 4 Cancer in 2009, but by the Creator’s hand he made it through and married Marlene in 2011. Their ambition and drive to create a life filled with love and fulfillment took them down many adventuresome paths.

Greg loved entertaining by hosting for family and friends. He loved cooking and preparing drinks to serve. He especially loved curating music to play while entertaining. He loved people around him to be happy and comfortable. Greg encouraged everyone he met to pursue their dreams. He was scarce with criticism and gave his approval, support, and love liberally. Greg was a blessing and will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at Latimer's Funeral Home Saturday January 8, 2021 1PM. Limited to 30 people due to COVID.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.