Hobert C. ''Woody'' Wilson, 86, of Roanoke Rapids died Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at Halifax Regional Medical Center.

Coach Wilson was born December 20, 1923 in Chatham County, the son of the late John Wesley Wilson and Daisy Jordan Wilson. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of the Rangers Division and was awarded two purple hearts. He was a 1950 graduate of East Carolina University. During his career Coach Wilson taught and coached in Davidson County for eight years, at Chadbourn High School in Columbus County for four years, and at Roanoke Rapids High School from 1965 until 1980. After his retirement from RRHS, he served as Headmaster of Northeast Academy in Lasker, NC for four years.

During his coaching career, he won the RRHS conference football championship in 1968, going undefeated for the season; served as assistant coach for the East-West All-star game in 1969, and was a member of the Board of Directors for the NC High School Association in 1971. He received the Outstanding Service award for the NC High School Athletic Directors Association in 1973, and he coached in the North Carolina Shrine Bowl in 1974. During the 2007-2008 RRHS football season, the Field House was named in his honor. He also received the Roanoke Rapids Father of the Year award in 1979.

Coach Wilson was a member and former deacon of Rosemary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids and worked with the church youth group.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth O. Wilson; his son, Steven W. ''Steve'' Wilson and his wife, April, of Laconia, IN; three nieces and three nephews; and all his former football players and cheerleaders.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends on Saturday, May 15, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 16, at 2:00 p.m. at Rosemary Baptist Church, 936 Jackson St., Roanoke Rapids, with Dr. Layne Wallace officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rosemary Baptist Church, 936 Jackson St., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Coach Wilson’s service to his country.