QUIET DELL, W.Va. (WV News) — An outpouring of condolences from West Virginia officials began early Wednesday in reaction to the passing of one of the state’s most iconic figures.
The death of Hershel “Woody” Williams, the short, always-smiling embodiment of valor and sacrifice who was known around the world for his legendary exploits in the Pacific theater of World War II, was mourned by state leaders via statements and tributes.
“I ask all West Virginians to join Cathy and I in praying for Woody, his family, friends, loved ones and the entire military community across West Virginia and the United States of America,” said Gov. Jim Justice. “Pray that, while the weight of this loss is profound, we all will be able to take solace in the fact that Woody’s contributions to our nation inspired generations, cultivated similar bravery and saved lives. Woody Williams will go down in history as one of the greatest West Virginians who ever lived, and we salute him for everything he gave to our state and our nation.”
Justice has offered for Williams to lie in state in the state Capitol in Charleston.
Justice has also offered a State funeral to be held for Williams at the Capitol. Additional details regarding these arrangements will be announced soon pending confirmation from the family.
Justice said he will also be signing a proclamation to lower all United States and West Virginia flags to half-staff statewide in Williams honor. The proclamation will be issued once the date of his funeral is announced.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my life and during my time as Governor to be able to spend a lot of time with Woody Williams over the years,” Justice said. “Woody was a living legend and was the embodiment to the world of what it means to be a West Virginian.
Williams was a “true American hero,” said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.
“Americans like Woody answered the call to serve our great nation and their sacrifices allow us to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear,” Manchin said. “Gayle and I are devastated by the loss of our dear friend who meant so much to so many across our great state and entire nation. We join all West Virginians in praying for Woody’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
He was able to visit Williams for a final time over the weekend, Manchin said.
“Last Sunday, I was honored to visit with Woody one last time. We called VA Secretary Denis McDonough so he could thank Woody directly for his unparalleled service to our nation,” he said. “In true Woody fashion, he wanted to discuss the importance of completing the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar – his most recent Veterans project – to ensure that the families of our fallen soldiers and Veterans have a safe place to lay their loved ones to rest, protected from the weather throughout the year. I am determined to carry on the legacy of my dear friend by getting the shelter built.”
“West Virginia lost one of its proudest sons today, and the United States lost a true hero,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R.-W.Va., said. “Woody embodied exactly what the Greatest Generation was all about: Service to country above self. Not only are his acts of valor on the battlefield well-documented, but the lives he touched in the years since serving had a lasting impact on every person he met. He inspired many to love their country, enter the service, and reminded everyone why our ‘nation under God’ is the greatest on earth. One of the best West Virginians we’ve ever known is now gone, but his lifetime of service and incredible legacy will be with us forever.”
Williams was “a gentleman who served his country with tremendous courage and valor,” said West Virginia University President Dr. E. Gordon Gee.
“I was privileged to know Woody and to spend time with a hero from our Greatest Generation whose purpose has served as an inspiration to so many others across our state and nation,” he said. “And while we grieve his loss, I believe his example will continue to inspire countless future generations. My heartfelt condolences go out to Woody’s family and all who knew and loved him.”
“Today, we have lost an American hero,” said Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va. “Woody Williams embodied the ‘Greatest Generation.’ The Americans who volunteered to fight for their country. As a Medal of Honor recipient, Woody never quit helping his country and those who served.
“For the entirety of his life, Woody has demonstrated valor, humility, kindness and an unwavering dedication to veterans and Gold Star Families. Through his advocacy work with the Woody Williams Foundation, he has impacted thousands upon thousands of lives by advancing the cause for Gold Star Family recognition and numerous veteran’s issues,” said Maj. Gen. William Crane, the adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard. “Our hope is that Woody’s life and service will continue to inspire future generations of West Virginians to serve and serve others for as he would say, ‘The cause is greater than I.” Semper Fi, Woody.”
“He has been an inspiration to me, personally, and to many across our state and our nation,” said Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin. “Woody Williams has been instrumental in supporting West Virginia’s military members and families – especially through his work for Gold Star Families. He leaves behind a legacy of service and will certainly be missed.”
“Today, I join with all West Virginians in mourning the death of a true American hero,” said West Virginia Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley. “Woody Williams represented the best of West Virginia – a love for his family, a sense of service to his country, and a dedication to honoring our veterans ... Woody’s life inspired generations, and I pray for comfort and peace for his family and friends in the coming days as they lay this great man to rest.”
The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance commended Williams for his work in service of veterans and their families.
“Woody was a good friend. He fought tirelessly for veterans here in West Virginia and throughout the nation,” WVDVA Cabinet Secretary Edward Diaz said. “He will be sorely missed.”