Mr. Stephen "Woody" Searles' Obituary
***Mr. Stephen "Woody" Searles passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at his residence in Gallatin, Tennessee. He was born on June 7, 1956, in Dallas, Texas, to the late Henry and Eleanor Searles. He was also preceded in death by a beloved brother, Raymond Searles.
Woody was a kind and gentle soul, known for his infectious energy and ability to light up any room—he was often the life of the party. He grew up in Massachusetts and lived a life full of joy, laughter, and music from the very beginning.
A true music lover, Woody had an impressive vinyl collection and could often be found spinning records to pass the time. He worked as a traffic coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Safe Zone, where he was respected for his dedication and good work ethic.
Woody never met a stranger—his warmth and charisma made everyone feel like an old friend. An old soul at heart, he cherished time spent with others, whether out on the town or simply sharing stories. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Tennessee Volunteers, cheering them on with passion.
He is survived by his brother, Ron Searles (Karen); his beloved niece, Razi Nicole Wilson; and a host of loving family and friends who adored him. His presence, laughter, and signature phrase— “I wrote that,” whenever a favorite song played—will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Woody’s life will be held at a later date, where his memory will be honored with music and a cold beverage, just as he would have wanted. A memorial gathering will be held at Main Street Pub & Eatery on Saturday, July 12, 2025. A toast will be held at 1:30 to celebrate Woody's life.
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