Obituary: Woodrow ‘Woody’ Millspaugh, Jr., 78, of Scottville

Woody Millspaugh

Woodrow “Woody” Ernest Millspaugh, Jr., 78, of Scottville passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024.  Woody was born on August 17, 1945 in Flint, the oldest child of Woodrow and Georgia (Lucas) Millspaugh, Sr., and graduated from Goodrich High School with the class of 1963. He furthered his education at Central Michigan University and completed his bachelor’s degree after serving his country during the Vietnam Conflict with the United States Army.  Woody graduated CMU in 1970 and later earned his master’s degree in education, also from Central Michigan.  On May 24, 1968, he married Susan Austin in Flint and they have celebrated 55 years by each other’s side.

Woody taught science and physical education at Walkerville Public Schools for over 35 years, retiring from teaching in 2005.  He truly loved teaching and interacting with his students every day hoping to inspire them to great things.  Being very athletic and passionate about sports, Woody coached both boys and girls basketball for many years at Walkerville along with track & field, baseball, and also assisted his children in their coaching careers at Mason County Eastern and Ludington. He also conducted a basketball camp at Alma College for many years.

In his youth, Woody was active in scouting where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  One of his first jobs was caddying during the summer at Warwick Hills Golf Club in Grand Blanc including during the Buick Open.  Woody was always active and loved being outside – whether playing or coaching something, golfing and setting records in league play, camping with his family, fishing, or following his favorite Michigan sports team – Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and of course the University of Michigan where he was a true blue fan.  In his quiet time, he always found time to engage in a good book, especially if it was a western theme.   Woody’s most favorite activity was his family, second to none.  He looked for ways to support them in their activities, encourage them, and assist in any way possible.

Along with his wife Susan, Woody will be greatly missed by his children Matthew (Christa) Millspaugh of Ludington, Andrew (Jamie) Millspaugh of Holland, and Kate (Eric) Chaney also of Ludington; his beloved grandchildren Emily, Abby, Ryan, Avery, and Carson Millspaugh, and Callie and Connor Chaney; his brother Jim (Cyndi) Millspaugh of Chicago; his sister Susan Yagiela of Fenton; his brother-in-law Doug Stork of Clare; his sisters-in-law Cheryl Abbott of Birch Run, and Linda Austin of Kyle, Texas; along with several nieces, nephews, and numerous great friends and former students whom he dearly loved.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Patricia Stork.

Funeral services will be held for Woody at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23 at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville.  Burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery later this spring.  Friends may meet with Woody’s family on Friday evening, March 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, and Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until time of services.  Those who wish to remember Woody with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the Scholarship Fund at Walkerville High School.

Please visit Woody’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a tribute or memory of Woody with his family.