Fitz William McMaster Woodrow, Jr., 89, of Alexandria, Virginia, died peacefully on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Goodwin House Alexandria. He was surrounded by his family and many friends during his last hours.
Born on December 9, 1929 in Washington, D.C., Fitz grew up on Q Street in Georgetown and graduated from Western High School. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1954 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
In 1957, while stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in Beaufort, South Carolina, Fitz met the love of his life, Faye Martin. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversay in October. He and his Bride moved from Parris Island to Quantico and then to California where Fitz completed two back to back tours in Vietnam. He was wounded in combat in 1966 and soon after recovering Fitz was selected to head up the NROTC at Georgia Tech. He earned his MBA while at Tech.
After another tour overseas in 1970, he returned to Washington, D.C. where he served in various positions before retiring in December 1980. Fitz earned his doctorate in business management of higher education at George Washington University in 1983 and launched Woodrow International Limited, an international brokerage and consulting company the following year.
Ever the optimist, Fitz firmly believed that while life should be taken seriously, you need to laugh – a lot – along the way. He never shied away from a one liner, no matter how corny and never failing to ask, "Did you get that?" with a huge smile. He loved people and made friends wherever he went, always asking "where are you from?" because he was genuinely interested. A beloved, humble man, he will be missed by all (he would say "some") who knew him.
Fitz is survived by his bride, Faye, his daughters, Shera Woodrow Fitzsimmons, Cicely Bowmar Woodrow, his son, Fitz William McMaster Woodrow, III and daughter-in-law, Emily Brewster Woodrow, his grandchildren, Elizabeth Martin Mallon and her husband, James, Morgan Brewster Woodrow, Fitz William McMaster Woodrow, IV, his great-grandson, James Joseph Mallon, III, and all who loved him.
Christmas was Fitz's favorite time of year, so it is fitting that a celebration of his life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria on Thursday, December 27. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Goodwin House Alexandria Employee Christmas Fund, 4800 Fillmore Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22311.
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