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Micheal Shelton Woody, 69 of Morganton, NC passed away Friday, May 8, 2026 at his residence. Micheal was born on July 6, 1956, in Burke County to the late Shelton and Belinda Woody. He was a 1974 graduate of Drexel High School, a 1983 graduate of Western Piedmont Community College and a 1985 graduate of the University of North Carolina Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Micheal was formerly an Educational Forest Ranger with the North Carolina Forest Service.
He was a lover of anything living. He had a love for Red Bud Trees, hummingbirds, especially for dogs and cats. He had a passion for information and hidden stories from WWII. Micheal’s music taste went from Johnny Cash to Metallica; the last music I heard him listening too.
In his last decade, his health declined and his body wore down, yet he still appreciated the marvels of art and science.
Dreams, a poem by Langston Hughes, his favorite of all time, metaphorically represents his life, he was that broken-winged bird. I hope he is out there somewhere revisiting the places of Monet paintings, a café in the Latin Quarter of Paris, or on a balcony in Santorini having a shot of Ouzo and toasting his dreams in another universe.
He is survived by firstly his canine companion, Lil’ Girl, whom he loved with his whole soul. A sister and brother-in-law, Marchalle and Randy Causby of Valdese. His nephew, Casey McBrayer and wife, Carolyn of Morganton. Two great-nephews, Fletcher McBrayer of Valdese and Michael McBrayer of Morganton. Niece, Lauren Causby Kerley and husband Jeremy, Conner and Maggie Kerley of Hudson. Nephew, Justin Causby and wife, Brandy of Dallas, NC. Uncle, Lynn Woody of McLeansville, NC. Aunt, Delene Wilson of Kodak, TN. Grandgirls, Ariana Burns of Taylorsville, NC and Alina Burns of Conover, NC and their sons. 16 first cousins and their families.
Micheal was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Stella and Cat McGalliard, Ocie and Rassie Woody, and numerous aunts, uncles, and 2 first cousins.
A graveside service will be held at 4pm, Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Burke Memorial Park with Dustin Camp officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Leave a tribute for Micheal Shelton Woody.
I'm going to refer to Mike as Woody, as we all called him in high school. Woody was a dear friend to me during and after high school. We were all part of the Drexel gang. Loved hanging out, partying and relying on each other. I loved his red beard, shiny eyes, and huge grin, often hiding behind what he was truly thinking. He was always there when you needed someone to talk to. I remember Woody... so many things! Thank you! Sending you happy vibes for you travels! Frances Scronce
Sorry for your loss God Bless his family
Worked with Mike at Ralph Edwards Tree Nursery. He was a good friend and will be missed.
Graduated with Mike, class of 74. I remember him having a great personality and a good sense of humor! All around nice guy! Prayers for his family!
My heartfelt sympathy to you all. I trust your memories will bring you as much comfort as the knowledge that Mike is there with you always, in the beautiful trees he loved, in the mountains, and in the wonders of the night sky. He is now with the Creator. May he rest in peace.
WAS A DEAR FRIEND,FELLOW GRADUATE FROM CLASS OF 74' HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. HE LOVED LIFE& THE OUTDOORS. PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES FOR YOU MARCHALLE.SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS I'LL MISS MY BUDDY FOR SURE MUCH LOVE,BIG HUGS.CALL IF YOU NEED ANYTHING
Rest in peace Michael