Sandy Fulden Woodard
April 7, 1939 ~ October 6, 2026
NC
Resided in: Drayden, MD
Sandy Woodard was larger than life, not only in stature but also in his effusive love of life and people.
Born in Kannapolis, NC, the home of Canon Mills, Sandy graduated from high school there in 1957. That year he traveled to Lexington Park, MD, to live with his aunt and uncle (Lucille and Hayden Boggs) and to enter the apprentice-style engineering program called “the Pax Plan” at Patuxent River NAS. He completed the first two years of study and met his future wife, Elizabeth (Liz) Hammett, there in 1961. They married in 1962 and both matriculated to the University of MD to complete their studies in 1964. He graduated with a BS degree in electrical engineering and began working at the test range at the Naval Air Test Center.
In 1981, Sandy became head of the newly established Chesapeake Test Range. There he rapidly increased the role of the organization by upgrading the instrumentation to state-of-the-art and forming a target section. He was also instrumental in establishing a partnership with the NASA Wallops Range by microwave link. This group is now known as the Mid-Atlantic Test Range. The Naval Air Systems Command refers to the Pax River range as a leader in ranges and telemetry.
Sandy took an “early out” retirement in 1988 from the federal civil service system and accepted a position as vice president and general manager of DynCorp, an engineering services company providing support to the US Navy. He continued expanding his responsibilities and supervisory oversight with the company until he retired on July 4, 2000.
Throughout his work life and retirement, Sandy found time to earn a private pilot’s license, travel, and participate with Liz and friends in golf, scuba diving, tennis, and skiing. He and Liz traveled around the world in 2007 and to all seven continents and including the north and south poles. He was also an avid fisherman and gardener.
Sandy was predeceased by his parents, Wilson F. Woodard and Jatana Ballard Woodard. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Woodard, and his siblings, Vickie Spry of China Grove, NC; Thomas (Song-Cha) Woodard of Salisbury, NC; and Karen (Richard) Jenkins, June Easley, and Diane (Terry) Edwards of Kannapolis, NC.
A Funeral Service will be held later date.
Arrangements were provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD
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A Funeral Service will be held at a late date. :
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I always treasured the time I spent with Sandy and Liz. We shared so many wonderful ski trips together, with one of the highlights being their delicious homemade spaghetti!
Visits to their home were always great, too, whether we were out on the boat, touring their beautiful garden, picking Maryland crabs, or watching fireworks together. It was always fun and we made some wonderful memories.
I’ll miss you, Sandy, but I’m so grateful for all the laughter, adventures, and happy memories. Thank you for making life so much fun! You’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Warm thoughts and sympathy to you Liz.
Sandy was such a friendly and great guy to know and work alongside. Larger than life in many ways besides his having to duck in doorways. The 4 July fireworks he and Liz hosted for so many years. The day he told me he was on the fence about whether to buy that wonderful spread of his on the water. Such a leader few organizations ever see. Hard to imagine this area without him. Sincere condolences to Liz and his family.
Liz. just read of Sandy’s passing. So sad to see such a great guy pass on. We spent many great and memorable times together. How could we forget the Marrakesh and untold bottles of Pully Fuse wine. Also the trip to Lake Placid. We loved Sandy, with his big grin and personality, not to mention his height. Will talk soon, With love from Bruce and Linda.
He was such a nice man. My parents (Thompson Family)worked the land on his property with Tobacco years back. Prayers to the family
What wonderful memories we have of Sandy!
The many trips we had together: sailing the Greek Isle in a 51 foot rental sailboat, staying in Saint Vincent, skiing in Switzerland, as well as multiple ski trips in the U.S.
Sandy was very special to our daughters. They looked forward to our ski trips as it was so much fun to be with him and Liz.
The fireworks show Sandy put on the 4th of July each year were unforgettable and much better than most towns produced.
I also remembered Sandy for our work together at Pax River. He was a great leader of his staff and encouraged all to follow his motto, “we can do it, yes we can”. One of his finest achievements was the establishment of the Mid-Atlantic Test Range.
Our deepest sympathy to you, Liz.
Sandy was a fun guy and a good leader.
Will remember Sandy always. What I remember most is that Sandy loved to have fun. From flying which I had the pleasure of going up with him out with him out of Park Hall airport. To racing dad’s boat. The trips to Carolina to visit his and our family. Nothing but great memories. Such a great person. Will miss him deeply. ❤️
Sandy is a dear friend who has left us with many fond memories: fishing ,vegetable gardening, wine tastings, Liz and Sandy’s 50th anniversary celebration on a Carrabean Island paradise. These and many more will keep him fondly in our thoughts.