Shipmate John "Woody" Woodmansee departs on Eternal Patrol

With a truly heavy heart I inform you that our Columbus Base shipmate John "Woody" Woodmansee, 87, departed on Eternal Patrol Thursday September 10, 2024.

Woody joined the Navy in 1955. He qualified in submarines on USS Hardhead SS-365 in 1956. As an ET3, he worked in the RADAR and SONAR Division. In 1958, Woody was transferred to Windsor Locks, Connecticut, where he attended Nuclear Power School and served as an instructor until 1961. Following Windsor Locks, Woody was assigned to USS Permit SSN-594, a nuclear submarine in new construction... thus becoming a Permit plankowner. While on Permit, he was assigned to the RC Division where, in addition to all other submarine and watch station quals, he also qualified as Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW). Woody served on Permit until his discharge in 1964 as ET1(SS).

Woody was a life member of USSVI and Columbus Base, and was inducted into the Holland Club in 2006. He had also been a member of Cincinnati Base. As is our custom, Columbus Base will also donate $100.00 to the USSVI Scholarship Fund in Woody's memory.

Woody's memorial service "at the convenience of the family". This will be a small family graveside memorial on Friday September 20th. Columbus Base has been asked to participate so a few of us will attend to eulogize Woody. Since the family wishes to keep the service attendance small, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ALSO ATTENDING, PLEASE CONTACT ME and I'll give you time and location.

Obituary

John William Woodmansee, age 87, of Sabina, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Born in Wilmington on January 20, 1937, he was the son of the late Everette and Mabel Hammond Woodmansee.

John is survived by his wife, Sandra ‘Sandy’ Billings Woodmansee.

Following graduation from Sabina High School, John served in the United States Navy. He also attended Navy School and Nuclear Power School. John trained in Washington Court House on the GI Bill in flying. He was a corporate pilot for Bank One, RJ Stolle Corp. and AEP. John also owned and operated Fayette Flying Service in Washington Court House and was a flight instructor. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Submarine Veteran Association.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by their daughters: Randi (Mark) Harper of Sabina and Kelli (Bradley) Norris of Lebanon; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory is his sister, Jane Neale of Powell, Wyoming.

John was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Janet, Carolyn, and Robert.

A private graveside, at Sabina Cemetery, will be held at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are directed to do so to Ohio’s Hospice. Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina, has been entrusted with arrangements.

Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.

Sailor, Rest Your Oar.