April 10
April 10
Happy Heavenly Birthday, soldier. As a grateful American, remembering you and the sacrifices you made for our country , is always something I do. I know you’re safe at rest with your sweet mom.
Staff Sgt. Gary Lee Woods Jr., 24, of Lebanon Junction, Kentucky. SSG Woods was known by his middle name "Lee". Throughout his life, he strived to do the best at any challenge given to him. He was a talented musician who sang and played many instruments, he loved drawing, fishing and camping. He graduated from Bullitt Central High School in 2002. His basic training was completed close to home, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and he graduated as a 19k Tanker in June 2003. Lee completed two previous tours of duty in Iraq assigned to 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, and was deployed on his third tour in September 2008, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was one of five soldiers killed when their military vehicle was struck by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in Mosul, Iraq. He was set to come home in the fall and move to Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was looking forward to being closer to his family. Lee is survived by his mother and stepfather Becky and Pat Johnson of Indianapolis, his father and stepmother Gary and Debbie Woods of Lebanon Junction, KY, his wife Christie Woods of Shepherdsville, KY, his sisters Britteny and Heather Woods and Mandy Maraman, his brothers Courtney, Troy Woods, and Newman and Corey Johnson, and his grandmother, Nancy Ratliff.
Tributes
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June 24, 2023
June 24, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday Lee!!
I will Never Ever Forget You!!
I never personally knew you, but have always felt like I do! You and my son are the same age, but you already knew that ..I remember how I used to share, my daily happenings, with you and keep you updated on my son, when he was in Iraq and Afghanistan! It sure helped me get through those tours...you were my best listener! Hope your having the best party, up there in Heaven!! I love your momma and I'm so glad you keep watch over her, each day!! She's pretty darn awesome!! Remember Lee, I will Never Forget You!! Love, Donna!!
I will Never Ever Forget You!!
I never personally knew you, but have always felt like I do! You and my son are the same age, but you already knew that ..I remember how I used to share, my daily happenings, with you and keep you updated on my son, when he was in Iraq and Afghanistan! It sure helped me get through those tours...you were my best listener! Hope your having the best party, up there in Heaven!! I love your momma and I'm so glad you keep watch over her, each day!! She's pretty darn awesome!! Remember Lee, I will Never Forget You!! Love, Donna!!
June 24, 2023
June 24, 2023
Dearest Lee,
Happy 39th Birthday. I have become very close friends with your mom, and through that I feel as if I have come to know you very well. You are loved and missed by so many each and every day, and there are so many standing with your mother, making sure that you and others whom have made the ultimate sacrifice are Never Forgotten. Rest in Peace, sweet Hero, and play your guitar and sing your songs along with the Angels and celebrate your birthday ❤️
Happy 39th Birthday. I have become very close friends with your mom, and through that I feel as if I have come to know you very well. You are loved and missed by so many each and every day, and there are so many standing with your mother, making sure that you and others whom have made the ultimate sacrifice are Never Forgotten. Rest in Peace, sweet Hero, and play your guitar and sing your songs along with the Angels and celebrate your birthday ❤️
June 24, 2023
June 24, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday, SSG Woods. I am forever grateful for your selfless service to our country. I am blessed to count your beloved mother among my FB friends and I treasure her memories of you. How very, very loved you are.
You are a hero, SSG Woods, and someday I will greet you face to face and express my deep respect for you.
Until then, rest easy warrior.
You are a hero, SSG Woods, and someday I will greet you face to face and express my deep respect for you.
Until then, rest easy warrior.
June 24, 2023
June 24, 2023
Once again, honoring and remembering your life and your service to our country, on your birthday. Even though we never met, learning about you through your mother’s words has made me feel that I know you. You left this life too young and now, you will always be young. Rest in Peace soldier.
June 24, 2019
June 24, 2019
Happy Heavenly Birthday HERO! Thinking of your family today!
❤
❤
June 24, 2017
June 24, 2017
Thinking of you and your mom today, on your birthday. With much love and respect from another military mom.
June 24, 2017
June 24, 2017
Happy birthday, brother!
June 24, 2017
June 24, 2017
Happy Heavenly Birthday Lee you sure are missed by so many.
June 24, 2017
June 24, 2017
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY HERO! NEVER FORGOTTEN!
June 24, 2017
June 24, 2017
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY HERO! NEVER FORGOTTEN!
April 26, 2017
April 26, 2017
Lee, I met your Mom on facebook. Becky is such a special person, I'm privileged to know her. I want to thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice to our nation in the name of world peace.
rest easy soldier...you duty is done
we now have the watch
Mike Oliver
New Orleans Ride Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
rest easy soldier...you duty is done
we now have the watch
Mike Oliver
New Orleans Ride Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
April 13, 2017
April 13, 2017
Good morning, Staff Sergeant:
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you! My heart hurts and weighs so heavy. I was supposed to be driving that truck, and at the last moment (literally), I was pulled for a medical examination and replaced by you. Tears roll down my face every time I think about that day.
I am at a loss for words, but I wanted to leave something short to let you know that I think about you and pray for you and your family daily. It was more than an honor to have served with you. You were a terrific man, outstanding soldier, and a NCO who was capable of anything.
You are truly missed and this world will never be the same without you.
We will meet again, my brother!
Phillip Boulais
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about you! My heart hurts and weighs so heavy. I was supposed to be driving that truck, and at the last moment (literally), I was pulled for a medical examination and replaced by you. Tears roll down my face every time I think about that day.
I am at a loss for words, but I wanted to leave something short to let you know that I think about you and pray for you and your family daily. It was more than an honor to have served with you. You were a terrific man, outstanding soldier, and a NCO who was capable of anything.
You are truly missed and this world will never be the same without you.
We will meet again, my brother!
Phillip Boulais
April 10, 2017
April 10, 2017
I was never honored to meet Lee in this life.I still feel like I know him.This is all because of his mother Becky.She has shared her love for him to a lot of us.We have returned started to love Lee through his mother's eyes.I am so thankful for his service to our country.It saddens me,that he paid the ultimate price.I wish I could give him and his loved ones even one more day.He will always be a hero,husband,cousin,friend and wonderful son.Thank you Becky for sharing your love.God bless!
April 10, 2017
April 10, 2017
Hi Lee! Your momma asked to share a memory of you, but since I don't have a memory of us....I just wanted to say hi, and I'm thinking of you and your family today.
~Diana from NJ
~Diana from NJ
April 10, 2017
April 10, 2017
Have lots of good memories with Lee from high school from regular class to JROTC he was a fun down to earth guy that had so much talent and took pride in everything he did. I can remember being in JROTC and going to the firing range and shooting the guns was always fun but the extra activities is what seemed to be the best and Lee was always on top tryin to be the best on the ropes and different things they had set up for us to do but in the end it was the mud that we all enjoyed throwing each other around in seeing who could stay on there feet with out going down. It was more of a every man and woman for themselves. Always a good time and you were guaranteed a laugh being around him. RIP brother you may be gone but one thing for sure you'll never be forgotten.
April 10, 2017
April 10, 2017
Good Morning Lee!! I think of you every day! I think of your momma and sister ever day too! Ohh...and your little niece is adorable!! I know you are watching over her now! As I've said many times Lee...Thank you for your service....Great BIG HUGS!!!! I keep your momma in my Prayers ever day, but even more on this Anniversary...I know you will be by her side today and every day!!
April 10, 2017
April 10, 2017
I really hate this day because I lost five good friends, but know that Gary left a lasting impression on me. He was one of the good guys. An NCO that soldiers could always count on to get things done. He will always be missed. It was truly a pleasure serving with such an outstanding man and soldier.
May 30, 2016
May 30, 2016
Thank you Lee for your service. Forever in your mom, Beckys heart. So many of our sons and daughters are heros
May 30, 2016
May 30, 2016
Thank you for your service and giving the ultimate sacrifice!
May 30, 2016
May 30, 2016
Thank you, Staff Sgt. Gary Lee Woods, for making the ultimate sacrifice to give me my freedom. On this Memorial Day, 2016, I honor you and your service to our country.
May 30, 2016
May 30, 2016
Proud to be an American because of young people like this young man and his Mama. Thank you for your sacrifice and Becky thank you for your never ending dedication to your son and his brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
May 23, 2016
May 23, 2016
I will forever miss you and the stories we have shared my brother ...until we meet again in our fathers kingdom
May 23, 2015
May 23, 2015
Just wanted to say I thought about you this past april, and today. I didnt know you well, but enough to remember you by. Take care.
February 24, 2015
February 24, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Be proud of your son. I am sure will be greatly missed. God Bless to you and your family.
February 6, 2015
February 6, 2015
Sure do miss Woody.
April 12, 2014
April 12, 2014
Lee.....This is Moma Elaine and Rick, we will never forget the person you were, we will always hold you dear to our hearts. I'm thankful you choose to become part of our family long before you married Christie Hope. You won our hearts long before she gave you hers. Your positive attitude, loving smile, and kindness won us at, "Hello." You were one of those special people that rarely cross our path. were glad God sent you our way. You will always be this families HERO. Thank You for serving us, by giving your everthing. My only comfort is that one day we'll meet again in heaven. That will be a blessed day. See you soon. Love U Lee.
April 11, 2014
April 11, 2014
THANK YOU HERO you will never be forgotten and I will forever be GRATEFUL we will always be here for your beautiful mother RIP
July 16, 2013
July 16, 2013
Rest in peace brother. I regret I didn't know you to well, but you always made me smile during them rough days. Thank you for them good times.
July 4, 2013
July 4, 2013
When we were at PB Howell, Gary worked in the company OPS center. I'd have SOG at stupid odd hours of the morning and I'd hang out in the OPS center and just talk about random things with Gary. He was always friendly and smiling, even when he was stressed out from the OPS center. He seemed like a genuinely nice man and I am honored to have gotten to know him. RIP Gary.
June 24, 2013
June 24, 2013
Prayers are with you today Gary, Mom and Dad on this very sad and unforgotten day.
April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013
Becky,there are no words that I can think of that can say what I feel.I thank Gary for what he did for me and I will honor him by always honoring and showing the UP MOST RESPECT for all of our military our warriors past present and all those who gave all love you hugs and love from NC
April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013
SSG Woods,I am the wife of your battle SSG. Daugherty, I did not have a chance to meet you in person, but I have had the pleasure of meeting your parents and in-laws, Through the stories and pictures I know you, You will always be in our thoughts and hearts,we will always be proud to call you our friend, I know I can speak for hubs it was hard on him to bring you home,but an Honor to do it
April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013
Words cannot express what I felt listening to this song and reading the tributes. I can't imagine what you are going through. May god be with you and your family today and throughout your life.
April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013
Lee was an amazing guy. Hard to believe its been 4 years since God saw fit to take you home. You are and will be missed very much. You touched so many lives here including mine. You showed me what true friends are. Luv ya man!!
April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013
Thank you and God Bless you Staff Sgt. Gary Lee Woods, Jr. For your service and the ultimate sacrifice for your country! Becky God Bless you and all that you do! You are my hero!
April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013
It was my honor to have served with Lee. He was a great person, great NCO and a heck of a spades player. He will never be forgotten for he touched lives everywhere he went.
April 1, 2013
April 1, 2013
Oh Becky....I have so much respect for Staff Sgt. Gary Lee Woods, Jr., Lee...your son. I have so much respect for you as well and all you do in honor of your child. For all you do for me and so many others. I will be back on this page again and that is a promise.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
April 10
April 10
Happy Heavenly Birthday, soldier. As a grateful American, remembering you and the sacrifices you made for our country , is always something I do. I know you’re safe at rest with your sweet mom.
June 24, 2023
June 24, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday Lee!!
I will Never Ever Forget You!!
I never personally knew you, but have always felt like I do! You and my son are the same age, but you already knew that ..I remember how I used to share, my daily happenings, with you and keep you updated on my son, when he was in Iraq and Afghanistan! It sure helped me get through those tours...you were my best listener! Hope your having the best party, up there in Heaven!! I love your momma and I'm so glad you keep watch over her, each day!! She's pretty darn awesome!! Remember Lee, I will Never Forget You!! Love, Donna!!
I will Never Ever Forget You!!
I never personally knew you, but have always felt like I do! You and my son are the same age, but you already knew that ..I remember how I used to share, my daily happenings, with you and keep you updated on my son, when he was in Iraq and Afghanistan! It sure helped me get through those tours...you were my best listener! Hope your having the best party, up there in Heaven!! I love your momma and I'm so glad you keep watch over her, each day!! She's pretty darn awesome!! Remember Lee, I will Never Forget You!! Love, Donna!!
June 24, 2023
June 24, 2023
Dearest Lee,
Happy 39th Birthday. I have become very close friends with your mom, and through that I feel as if I have come to know you very well. You are loved and missed by so many each and every day, and there are so many standing with your mother, making sure that you and others whom have made the ultimate sacrifice are Never Forgotten. Rest in Peace, sweet Hero, and play your guitar and sing your songs along with the Angels and celebrate your birthday ❤️
Happy 39th Birthday. I have become very close friends with your mom, and through that I feel as if I have come to know you very well. You are loved and missed by so many each and every day, and there are so many standing with your mother, making sure that you and others whom have made the ultimate sacrifice are Never Forgotten. Rest in Peace, sweet Hero, and play your guitar and sing your songs along with the Angels and celebrate your birthday ❤️
Gallery
image
Lee doing what he loved most - Fishing!!
Derek, Capt Sturm, Tim Sensel, and Lee at the Military Ball
Lee and "Swank"
Military Ball - Tim Sensel, Lee, and Lt Matthew Pratt
Recent stories
June 24, 2017
by Diana N
Hi Lee. I hope you're having a Corona beer and singing with the Angels for your birthday. Send your momma signs. She misses you!!!!!!
Diana Marie from NJ.
November 13, 2013
I knew SSG woods I was a friend I was in the HQ plt in the s1 shop I got to know him I later left the unit to be in the wounded warriors when he diployed to Iraq I will miss him. I will see you Agin brother.
Spc Stalcup ret.
Lee and the Governor
March 15, 2013
Lee was home for Christmas from Fort Carson after his first tour of duty in Iraq. We received tickets for a University of KY basketball game and drove to Lexington. It was a beautiful sunny day and we found a parking spot right across the street from Rupp Arena. We agreed that this was a sign that it was going to be a good day!
Our seats weren't great, but the game was real exciting and we saw a lot of three pointers and dunks, which we both liked. UK started pulling away in the second half and some fans started heading for the exits, so Lee and I moved down for a closer view. We found seats a few rows from courtside and watched the final minutes of the game from there.
When the final buzzer sounded, we stood and applauded with the remaining crowd. A man in the row in front of us turned to leave and I recognized him as the Governor of KY, Ernie Fletcher, who I had met the year before at a barbeque for the KY Colonels organization. He smiled at me, stuck out his hand and said "Good to see you, again!" I was stunned, but managed to say "Governor" and nodded at him. Then I turned to Lee and said, "This is my son, Lee. He's home on leave from the Army. He just returned from Iraq."
Governor Fletcher grabbed Lee's hand with one hand and put the other on Lee's shoulder and thanked him for his service. He then walked up the steps toward the exit, without stopping to talk to anyone else.
Lee, turned to me and asked, "Governor? You know the Governor?" I was so proud that day. Not just that Mr. Fletcher remembered me, but that I got to share my son, my hero, with the Governor of KY. We walked out of the arena, back to the car, remarked about the great parking spot and again agreed, it was a very good day!