Anthony John Woodson, 49, of Covington, Virginia, passed away Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at the VA Hospital in Salem after a courageous battle with cancer. "Tony" was surrounded by a loving family and friends.

He is survived by his parents, John and Winona Woodson of Covington, his loving wife of 31 years, Linda; a daughter Amanda Woodson Dixon, and husband, Steven, of Tennessee; a son, Codie; a son, Seth, and his fiancee, Kristin Shifflett; and a granddaughter, Rebeckah Woodson.

Also surviving are a brother, John Woodson II of Covington; a sister, Erin Woodson Bartley and husband, Rob of Covington; and nephews, Caleb, Chase and Colby Bartley; a half-brother, Bill Cook, and wife, Sue, of Ohio.

Tony was a lifelong member of First Christian Church. He was educated in Covington schools and at age 18 joined the Marine Corps. After a successful career in the Corps, he returned to Covington and worked as a contractor. Many of the finer homes in the area attest to his skills as an accomplished carpenter and cabinet maker.

Tony was an avid outdoorsman whose passion was hunting and fishing, where he spent many happy hours traversing the mountain trails and streams of his beloved Alleghany County.

He will be sorely missed by his hunting and fishing buddies.

The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday at Loving Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Loving Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice, whose wonderful services cannot be repaid by a grieving family.

Loving Funeral Home is handling arrangements:www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.