Woodward "Woody" G. Diven I

Woodward "Woody" G. Diven I, a man who lived a life that was anything but boring, departed on his final adventure on April 8, 2024, at the age of 77.

 A visitation will be held 9:00-10:00 AM Thursday, April 10, 2024 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. A private interment will be held at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery.

Woody was born on May 23, 1946, in the heart of Cumberland, Maryland to George Diven and Carrie McCune, along with his three siblings brothers, Gilbert “Gibs” Diven, George E. Diven and sister, Ramona Ganoe. At the young age of 17 he joined the Marines, where he served in Vietnam and shortly later met the love of his life Brenda McCune.

Woody and Brenda were married on December 21, 1968, where life as a family began. Woody took on the father role to John Desensi and Terri Lopez then soon followed to have Woodward “Ginter” Diven II and Samuel Diven. Over the years Woody became a cross-country truck driver were they were able to enjoy the love of traveling and sightseeing together. They settled in Columbus, GA where he then spent 25 years at EJ Knights.

Woody and Brenda had 35 years together before she lost her battle with cancer. They watched their family grow from having kids to then grandkids, whom Woody poured his love into and adored. After the loss of his wife Woody was lost in the world, that’s when he found a new passion for writing. He wrote in a journal every day regardless of how his day went.

If you knew Woody you would know he had the biggest heart and always had a helping hand. He has left behind such a big family that he adored dearly and they adored him and his all stories. As we say goodbye to Woody, we imagine him winking at us one last time, reminding us to keep laughing, to love fiercely.

Funny, loving, and adventurous are the words that best describe Woody. He lived every day that life should be lived to the fullest, with a punchline always ready to roll off the tongue. 

Woody is preceded in death by his beloved parents, George Diven and Carrie McCune, as well as his brothers, Gilbert "Gibs" Diven and George E. Diven, and his sister Ramona Ganoe, and family members Michael V Camp I, Kenneth and Donna Armstrong, Tiffany Cloud, Betty Jo Armstrong. Woody is surely keeping them entertained with his humor. 

He leaves behind a symphony of laughter that will echo through the lives of his loves ones. Survived by his children, John DeSensi, Beth DeSensi, Terri (Richard) Lopez, Woodward (Sali) Diven, grandchildren, Michael Camp II, Brenda (James) Estes, Ashley (Veronica) DeSensi, Jared (Jessica) Camp, Glennis (Sebastian) Newman, Wesam Diven, Elizabeth DeSensi, great-grandchildren, Rebekah (Karter) Lewis, Hunter and Jesse Estes, Nataly and Claire Anderson, Emma and Harper Camp, beloved family: Lisa (Roger), Tina (Martin), Gilbert Jr, Charmaine, Robbie, Cindy, Mary (Frank), Diana, Debbie (Donnie), Rosanna (Jamey), Pattie, Cathy (Bryon), Billy, Bob and William.

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