Woodson Lee "Woody" Staton, age 66, of Shelbyville, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, August 15, 2024, at his residence.

Born October 19, 1957, in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Woody was a son of the late Arthur Benton "Ben" Staton and Lorena Mae Whitton Staton. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Gary Benton Staton, and a close cousin, Edwin "Dale" Staton.

Woody is survived by one son, Lee Benton Staton, of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; one uncle, J. R. Whitton; numerous cousins; nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Throughout his lifetime Woody enjoyed a number of multifaceted careers. Growing up, his dad was a "trader" so Woody was involved in "environmental situations" as a youngster.  He witnessed the value of hard work and learned the importance of time, dedication, and self-discipline.  As a senior in high school, Woody raised his own tobacco and helped with cattle and other family farm activities.  This "workaholic" behavior continued while he pursued the Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science at the University of Kentucky.  Woody worked as a welder at Link-Belt in Lexington during his college years and following his graduation in 1980, Woody continued with Link Belt until he started as a trainee with the United States Department of Agriculture in 1982. For the next 24 years, Woody served as the USDA Executive Director in Shelby County, Kentucky, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.  Then, he transitioned into trucking, working for environment clean-ups for short stints, and finished with Charah, Inc. after 10 years as a safety specialist. In the meantime, he farmed and raised cattle in Shelby County until 2006.  Woody honored and respected all animals and got a "kick" out of any animal because each one had its own personality.

Woody lived life on his own terms.  When they told Woody he was a "sick man," his response was more than likely, "You have no idea," probably a Staton trait!  A staunch Republican, it was no surprise to anyone that he lived his life enjoying NASCAR, hunting, fishing, horse racing, and U.K., but mostly boasting about "The Boy!!" Woody's mind always worked to improve or invent something to make life easier.  Another Staton trait is "work smarter, not harder"!  It seems all of his good traits came from his mother Lorena. While Woody was always eager to lend a helping hand, he never asked for help.  If you asked Woody what he needed, he would simply reply, "lawyers, guns, and money."  The State of Kentucky thought the best way to keep an eye on him was to hire him. When government officials hired Woody, they hired one of a kind and he remembered the days of working with those "folks" with mostly good stories.  He himself was a mesmerizing storyteller. Think of Woody when you take a swig of bourbon or watch a U.K. game because that's what he's doing while watching over "The Boy"!

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Polksville Cemetery, Salt Lick, Kentucky, with the Rev. Lowell Rice officiating.

Pallbearers will be Jed Staton, Bill Bohannon, Larry Bohannon, David Duke, Howard Houchin, and Cecil Ornduff.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Owingsville First Church of God, 320 Slate Avenue, Owingsville, KY 40360.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is caring for arrangements for Woody Staton.

View or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com