Arthur "Butch" Benjamin Woody, 79, of New Hill, died on Monday, September 20, 2021. Butch was born June 25, 1942 in Palakta, Florida to Felix Sr. and Marion (Atkins) Woody. Butch grew up in Apex, graduated from Apex High School and Kings College and was a lifelong member of Apex Baptist Church. He was an Eagle Scout and later in life, became a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America. He served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years which included a tour on the USS Independence. He traveled to many countries including the Holy Lands, Pompeii, Italy and Germany. In 1974, he joined the Apex Volunteer Fire Dept. where he served many administrative and officer positions. He was instrumental in hiring the first paid staff and establishing the Explorer club. He was Volunteer of the year in 1992. He passed on his love for firefighting to his son Sean. His hobbies were hunting, fishing and woodworking. Butch could build anything and loved to help others, which was clear in his service to the Handyman Ministry of Apex Baptist Church and the NC Baptist Men's Disaster Relief.

In addition to spending time with family and friends, Butch loved to work in his yard and maintained his beautiful home. He loved woodworking, was a master craftsman and loved helping people with projects. He also enjoyed relaxing on the front porch with a cup of coffee!

Butch is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marion (Kershaw) Woody, his son, Sean Marshell Woody (Emily), Stepsons Bobby Blackford (Ashlie) and Jeffrey Blackford (Catherine), grandchildren, Bryson and Bree Woody, Blake, Catie, MacKenzie, Talen and Dylan Blackford and J and Tyson Tu. Brothers, Carrol (Patricia) Woody, Dennis (Debbie) Woody and sister, Shirley (Patrick) Donnelly and many nieces and nephews. He also had a special love for his princess, McKenna, her mom, Kari (Blondie) and his favorite lineman, Jordan Allen. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Felix Woody, Jr.

A celebration of Butch's life will be held on Monday, September 27 at Apex Baptist Church. The family will greet friends and relatives at 1:00 p.m. in the Main Street area, with the service following at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Apex Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Handyman Ministry at Apex Baptist Church, 110 S. Salem Street, Apex, NC 27502.

The Woody family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Thank you for the outpouring of love, prayers and other contributions. May God bless each of you in a very special way.