Loved ones recall positive, good guy who was always
By Shalama C. Jackson
The State (Columbia, South Carolina)
Copyright 2006 The State
Richland County Emergency Services co-workers remembered Lt. Woodford “Woody” King this week as a dedicated paramedic who was “one of the good guys.”
King, 42, who spent more than half his life with the department, died Saturday after responding to a stabbing scene. Coroner Gary Watts ruled Monday that King’s death was “heart-related.”
Funeral services are scheduled for 3 p.m. today at Steep Bottom Baptist Church in Estill. Flags will fly at half-staff at all county facilities today.
King was the first Richland County paramedic in more than 30 years to die while on duty. Paramedic Robert Lee Smith Jr. died in 1974.
King was a 22-year employee with Richland County Emergency Services.
“It’s sad to say, but you don’t realize how much of an impact someone has on your life until they aren’t there anymore,” Lt. Tony Wingard said.
“He was one of the good guys,” added Capt. Bill Dale.
As a high school student in Hampton County, King was fascinated with sirens, medicine and emergency response, his sister Jan Carter said.
After graduating from high school, King was hired by Richland County.
During the first couple of years, he commuted from Hampton to Richland. He and his sister eventually moved to Columbia where they became roommates.
“He was my best friend and it’s hard to think what the future will be like without having him there,” Carter said.
Tuesday, King’s colleagues at Richland County EMS shared memories of King and said work wouldn’t be the same without him.
“He (King) was a character that added a positive energy by being himself and respecting others for doing the same,” Lt. George Caulie said.
Standing at about 5 feet 4 inches tall, King had a permanent grin on his face.
“That impish little grin made me wonder what does he know that I don’t know,” said Capt. Doug Maness. “He always had that grin in person and in his picture.”
Even in stressful and difficult situations, King seemed to hold it together.
“He was always happy. There were times we all could get stressed out, but he would sit back, take a deep breath, and it was over,” Dale said.