Most sadly Woodrow (Woody) Davis Wollesen suffered a severe fall on September 3rd, 2022 in his Marietta home. After a valiant battle, Woody would join our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, September 23, 2022 at Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Austell, Georgia.

Woody was born on February 22,1943 in Birmingham, Alabama, the son of the late Leona McGilberry Wollesen and the late Woodrow Davis. Woody took great pride in his education and was an active alumni of Banks High School (Birmingham, AL) Class of 1961 where he excelled in both basketball and track & field. He continued his education, receiving his BA from Washington & Jefferson College and J.D. at the University of Pittsburgh.

After taking the Bar Exam in the summer of 1968, Woody would enter the service as 1st Lieutenant in the US Army at Ft Gordon, GA. He was eventually stationed overseas at a major military command headquarters outside Heidelberg, Germany. During his stint in Europe, he became the proud owner of a 1970 XKE Jaguar Roadster 4.2 (better known as the “The Lady”) - a cherished possession over the last 50 years.

After his service, he accepted a job offer in Washington D.C. where he later became a co-partner at a national law firm. He resided in the DC metro area over the next 30 years and became a proud father to his two children, Katie O’Connor (Wollesen) and Matthew Wollesen. He dedicated himself to immerse his children into every aspect of the great outdoors, sports, and shared his love for all of God's critters. After enrolling his children into Taekwondo, he also started his practice at the ripe age of 53 and rose to be a Master, receiving his 4th Dan black belt in April 2009, holding two National Taekwondo Champion titles.

Woody made contributions and advocated the financial interests of small businesses as CEO of his own company, Execunet, Inc. He served eight years on the Board of Directors of the National Women’s Business Center in Washington, DC. Woody was an active member of his community in supporting local veterans through educational programs and establishing traditions with Wreaths Across America that honored the fallen at Arlington National Cemetery.

In 2011, he relocated to Marietta, Georgia to be closer to his mother, Leona, during her elderly years. He was a dedicated son and loving caretaker until her passing last year. Woody cherished the opportunity to be with his mother later in life, sharing a patriotic spirit and carrying on family traditions to honor men and women who served.

Though we will grieve his absence, we will celebrate his vivacity for life and carry on his legacy.

“Fill your life with adventure, not things. Have stories to tell, not things to show.” - Unknown

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

Woody was preceded in death by his father Woodrow Davis, mother Leona Wollesen, and sister Bonnie Langford. He is survived by his children, Katie Lee O’Connor (Wollesen) and her husband KC O’Connor, and Matthew Bryant Wollesen and his wife Landon; granddaughter Teagan O’Connor and grandson Tripp O’Connor; brother-in-law Vernon Langford; niece Mendie Lange and her husband Tripp Lange and children Mason and William Lange.

Not to be left out, Woody’s beloved and faithful dogs – Rocky and Rosie

Relatives and friends may join us for a celebration of life and graveside service in Birmingham, Alabama at Forest Hills Cemetery (Woody to be interred next to his mother, Leona Wollesen, and grandparents) on Friday, February 17, 2023 at 10am CST / 11am EST.

Visitation and lunch gathering to be held at Woodrow’s favorite and “the best BBQ in the South” – Golden Rule BBQ, Birmingham, AL immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the:

American Legion, Post 160, Smyrna, Georgia

Wounded Warrior Project ®

Wreaths Across America