Woodrow W. Williams (“Woody”), born March 24, 1951, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 10, 2025, the Marine Corps’ birthday, surrounded by his wife of 43 years, Phyllis, his daughter, Vanessa, and their beloved rescue animals, Dixie and Alfie, who never left his side. On the day he passed, he was also visited by his friend John Schilling, who stood outside Woody’s window and played the Marine Corps Hymn — an act of quiet honor and deep meaning that will never be forgotten by his family.
Woody was raised in Edgartown, the oldest of five children. From an early age, he found purpose and belonging at the Edgartown Boys Club, his home away from home. The club and its volunteers provided mentorship, structure, and refuge during a difficult home life, shaping the man he would become.
Woody graduated from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in 1969, and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was inspired by older Islanders who had served, by his family’s long history of military service, and by Edgartown Police Chief Dominic (“Jim”) Arena, a Korean War Marine veteran who encouraged him, and wrote a letter of recommendation on his behalf. Woody proudly earned the infantry MOS he sought, and graduated from boot camp with the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, an achievement that meant everything to him.
After boot camp, Woody traveled throughout the Mediterranean aboard the USS Chilton, including a formative period of training with the French Foreign Legion in France. He later completed advanced guerilla warfare training in Okinawa before deploying to Vietnam.
Woody served as a lance corporal with Kilo and Lima Companies, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, carrying an M79 grenade launcher. For his service, he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon; Meritorious Unit Commendation; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with one star; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Rifle Marksman Badge.
Despite his deep and unwavering patriotism, like many Vietnam veterans, Woody struggled profoundly after returning to civilian life. He carried the physical and psychological effects of combat for the rest of his life, including severe PTSD and illnesses later linked to Agent Orange exposure. The heart and lung diseases that ultimately claimed his life, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, were connected to that exposure.
Woody spent several years living among other Vietnam veterans off the grid in the woods of Oregon. Eventually, he returned to Martha’s Vineyard, where he met his soulmate, Phyllis. Upon seeing her at Lou’s Worry, Woody walked up and said, “I hope you don’t have any future plans for the rest of your life, because I’m going to marry you one day.” She thought he was crazy — but after 43 years of marriage, it was clear they were both right.
Wanting a better life for himself, his wife, and eventually their daughter, Vanessa, Woody sought treatment, and with the help of Thomas Bennett formed a combat veterans’ support group that continues today through Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
Woody became known on the Island for his tireless, practical help of fellow veterans. After painstakingly learning the VA system, he helped dozens of veterans successfully secure the benefits they had earned. Vanessa remembers it as “a walk-in legal clinic” at the Williams home. He also supported class action efforts related to Agent Orange exposure, and was a fierce advocate for fair treatment of veterans navigating bureaucratic systems. These selfless efforts deeply influenced Vanessa, and inspired her to become a lawyer.
In 1989, Woody, along with JoAnn Murphy, Conrad Kurth, and Kevin Nichols, began providing military funeral honors for Island veterans. He frequently presented the American flag to grieving families, participated in Memorial Day ceremonies, and helped maintain the Avenue of Flags at Oak Grove Cemetery. He also played a central role in establishing the first VA Outpatient Medical Clinic on Martha’s Vineyard, enabling veterans to receive care locally rather than travelling off-Island.
Woody marched in parades, spoke at schools, wrote letters to the editor, and stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves. His life was defined by service, integrity, and quiet determination.
Above all else, Woody believed that the two most miraculous turning points in his life were marrying his beloved wife, Phyllis, and the birth of their daughter, Vanessa. They gave him the “hope and purpose” he needed to live a meaningful life.
The family extends profound gratitude to the extraordinary team at Martha’s Vineyard Hospice, whose compassion and skill made it possible for Woody to remain at home, surrounded by love, in his final days. Heartfelt thanks are also offered to the Rev. Stephen Harding of Grace Church for his presence, comfort, and spiritual support.
Woody is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughter, Vanessa, and her husband Evan; his niece, Tabitha Devine, husband Kevin, and daughter Kylee; his sister, Kathy Spiro, and her husband Phillip; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In his honor, Phyllis and Vanessa have established the Woody Williams Veterans Advocacy Project, a donor-advised charitable initiative dedicated to continuing his lifelong mission of helping veterans and their families navigate the systems meant to serve them. More information is available at williamsadvocacyproject.org. You may donate in lieu of flowers. A funeral with full military honors will be held on June 5, 2026, at noon at Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. A memorial service celebrating Woody’s extraordinary life will be held at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury directly following the funeral service.
