William “John” Woodill

Date of Death: January 28, 2026

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service

Omps Reception Center, Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

540-662-6633 |

Sunday 2/15, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

A Celebration of Life and recedption

memorial

Memorial contrbutions may be made to
Winchester SPCA

Esther Boyd Animal Shelter

Blue Ridge Care

John Woodill passed away on January 28, 2026, with his family by his side in his home after complications with Parkinsons Disease. He was born Feb. 7, 1949, in Sudbury Ontario Canada, the oldest son of Wilbur and Kay Woodill. The family moved to Naples FL in 1961 and received their citizenship in 1967. John joined the US Navy after graduation where he served in the submarine service for 6 years aboard the USS Daniel Webster as a sonar technician. In 1970 while he was stationed in Hawaii, he met Susan who was there on vacation. They were married in 1972 in Kailua Hawaii. After they returned to the mainland in 1973, he joined the Fairfax County Police Dept. He retired in 2002 and continued to work as a driving instructor for Green Apple Driving School and BSR in Summit Point, WV. When he finally retired, he was a volunteer at the Hospice Thrift Shop in Stephens City, VA. and at the Food Bank at Victory Church. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan, son John Woodill (Jenna) of San Diego CA. and daughter Kate Woodill of Kill Devil Hills, NC, brother Robert Woodill (Diane) of Buffalo, NY, and sisters Debby Hathaway (Ray) of Ocala FL. and Susan Brown (Richard) of Tampa FL. He was a wonderful husband and father who deeply loved his wife and children. He loved traveling, cruising and especially spending time at the lake in Canada with his family. With the assistance of Hospice, John was able to spend his final time in his own home.

In lieu of flowers we ask friends and families to donate in John’s name to the Winchester SPCA, Esther Boyd Animal Shelter, or Blue Ridge Care.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held for John on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 12pm to 2pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel Reception Center. Guests are asked to dress casually.

Burial will be private.

Dave & Dawn Adsit

Jennifer Bridgers

Mike George

Charlie, Kim Reading

Mary and John Murphy

Brandie Baker

skipper

DONALD YOUNKIN

Marty Schmahmann

Eddie "PIC" Picarella

Emily Kelly

Light a candle

Omps Reception Center, Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

540-662-6633 | Map

Sunday 2/15, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

A Celebration of Life and recedption

Memorial contrbutions may be made to
Winchester SPCA

Esther Boyd Animal Shelter

Blue Ridge Care

Watch Video Tribute

See Condolences

In memory of William “John” Woodill, Dave & Dawn Adsit lit a candle

Susie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by beautiful memories made together. I worked at Reston with John. I remember him smiling (most of the time). He liked to tease. He would rib me because my husband was in the Coast Guard. Having been in the Navy, John would call my husband a shallow water sailor. I recall with fondness the squad get together at your home on the mountain. He always treated me with kindness and respect. I will keep you in my thougts and prayers

In memory of William “John” Woodill, Jennifer Bridgers lit a candle

Such a honorable man.

It was an honor and a privilege to work with John.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Dear Sue, We are truly heartbroken for you and your family. Our deepest condolences. Charlie, Kim, Alex and Nic

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He and my Dad, Bruce, worked together at FCPD. My Dad loved the trips to the lake in Canada with the guys back in the day. I was just recently retelling the story about how John pulled over the car I was in as a passenger for running a stale yellow (surely, it was not red!) and the driver only got a ticket because I was in the car. John told my dad he did not know if he approved of the friend who was driving so he gave him the ticket. Terrifying at the time, but a funny memory now. May happy memories make this time more bearable. I trust the two of them are sharing stories again now. Lisa

In memory of William “John” Woodill, Mary and John Murphy lit a candle

My thoughts and prayers are with the Woodill family. May the memories you have bring you peace and comfort today and in the days to come.

I was saddened to receive word of John’s passing. He was amongst the finest officers I worked with in FCPD. As MPO’s on different squads we would occasionally share stories of our work. He would also talk about his Canadian adventures, portaging canoes over wilderness rivers. I think he missed those outings and Ontario in general. When the new ‘side-handle’ batons were approved he was the instructor at our station. He was a very skilled driving instructor. His loss has surely left a hole in the hearts of those that knew and served with him…….

Kate, I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your father. I’m sending prayers for strength & love to you and your family. (I’m Marty’s sister. Liezl shared the news about your dad.)

In memory of William “John” Woodill, skipper lit a candle

In memory of William “John” Woodill, DONALD YOUNKIN lit a candle

Our sincerest condolences to you, Kate, on the passing of your dear father. May he rest in eternal peace <3 Love, Your HGI OBX Family

John and I bonded as fellow-Bubbleheads in the Submarine Service. We worked together while he was assigned to the Groveton substation in the 70's. A real gentleman and great COP. "Sailor, rest your oars"

I am saddened to hear the news of John’s passing. I worked with John at the driving track in Chantilly. John was a fantastic guy, hard worker, and a man who truly cared about his family. My deepest condolences to the family during this very sad time.

We certainly have treasured our time with John and the Woodill family.

My sympathy to John's wife and family. I had the privilege of attending the Northern Virginia Police Academy with John in 1974 and working with him at the Groveton Police Station in the 70s. He was an honorable Police officer and human being with great ethics. Sorry for your loss. RIP John Woodhill

In memory of William “John” Woodill, Marty Schmahmann lit a candle

Susan, John was my FTI when I first came to FCPD in 1983. I am so sorry for your loss and trust you’ll cherish the memories you have. Thanks for sharing him with us at FCPD, he will be missed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

John and I were police officers in the Fairfax County Police Department and although we never actually worked together during our careers, we crossed paths many times either in court, the police pistol range or taking courses in the Training Academy. We both held dual citizenship with Canada and every time we saw each other, we made a point to share greetings with an exaggerated Canadian inflection to our voices, “How are you doin’ there, Eh?” To which the other replied, “Doin’ great here, Eh!” We always got a chuckle out of this banter. Anyway, I really admired John and respected him a great deal and I know he will be so very missed by all who had the pleasure to know and work with him. My sincere condolences to his family.

Many fond memories. Rest in Peace my friend.

In memory of William “John” Woodill, Emily Kelly lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.