Micheal Shelton Woody

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.