Fallen Hero: Staff Sergeant Andrew “Andy” Allen Woodard II

Wiggins, MS

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Funeral Home

Moore Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero.  Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on April 17, 2025, and has moved on to his heavenly home.  Staff Sergeant Andrew “Andy” Woodard, age 38, who had served within the 3656 Classification and Inspection Company and worked fulltime at the Shelby CSMS, has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier.  We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:

September 28, 1986 – April 17, 2025

SSG Andy A. Woodard, of Wiggins, passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS surrounded by his family.

Andy was born in Gulfport, MS on September 28, 1986, to Andy and Candy Woodard. He was a devoted father of three boys and a wonderful, loving son, brother, and uncle. A proud soldier in the 3656th CICO Company of the Army National Guard, at Camp Shelby, he was passionate about his service to his country. He loved making things and poured his heart and soul into every piece he made for his co-workers, friends, and family. He always had a willingness to help others. As a selfless act of compassion, Andy chose to be an organ donor in the hopes that the loss of his life would save the life of others.

Andy was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents Andrew and Charlene Woodard and his maternal grandfather Joe Gray. He is survived by his three sons, Andy, Landon, and Layne; his parents Andy and Candy Woodard; his grandmother, Elizabeth Stewart; one brother, Clint (Kortney); two nieces Abigail and Emma; and a nephew Levi, all of Wiggins and host of other family and friends.

A memorial service for Andy will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 4 p.m., at Moore Funeral Home in Wiggins, MS. Flowers can be sent to Moore Funeral Home. I lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate to a college fund for his boys, an account has been set up at Bank of Wiggins.