OMA Mourns Woody Harris
By Paul Coppola and Arlene Zonts
On June 22, Elwood "Woody" Harris, Sr., died of a heart attack at the age of 50. He worked for the federal government for some 30 years, concluding with the Food and Drug Administration as a criminal investigator, for which he received numerous awards. He showed great dedication to his work. His last assignment was a detail with the NIH Office of Management Assessment.
Harris grew up in the Washington area. He attended Roosevelt High School in D.C. and began his career in the U.S. Marines.
He was first brought into the federal workforce 30 years ago at the U.S. Naval Security Station by personnel management specialist Marie Cannon. It happens that Cannon presently serves the Office of Management Assessment and so was again Harris's personnel specialist for his last appointment.
Harris was a member of numerous organizations including the National Disabled Veterans Association, the Montgomery County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the local chapter of Blacks in Government. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing, his community, and conversing with his long-time neighbors. Coworkers said he was a terrific person and was much loved; he will be sorely missed.
He leaves a son, Elwood, Jr.; a daughter, Maria Wright; daughter-in-law Charmine; son-in-law Clarence; brothers Robert D. Harris, Jr., and Wilbert Harris; grandchildren and a host of friends and relatives.
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