Sylvester Castleberry

Mr. Sylvester Woodrow "Woody" Castleberry, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 28, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Pearl Castleberry; brothers, Edward Castleberry and Donald Castleberry; sisters, Helen Smith, Vertie May Masterson and Robbie Castleberry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Barbara Baxter Castleberry; a sister, Ruth Manasco (Jim); his children, Karen Partridge (Biff) of Natchez, MS, Stan Castleberry (Liz) of Bremen, and George "Baxter" Castleberry of Cropwell; grandchildren, Jamie Morris (Kate), Bethany and Katelyn Castleberry, Brandon (Josie) Castleberry, and Shelby Castleberry, Steele and Bisland Partridge, two great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Woody was a native of Carbon Hill, AL. At the age of 18, he and his older brother left the family farm and joined the Navy. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor 15 months until his ship, The USS Altair, a Destroyer Tender, was ordered to another assignment in the Atlantic. One month later, Pearl Harbor was attacked marking the beginning of World War II. He served in the Navy for 6 years. The last years of his service were with Underwater Demolition Team (U.D.T.) 20 and 5. His team was underway to Japan when they were ordered to turn back because the first atomic bomb had been dropped. He spent another year in the Navy and was discharged as Chief Petty Officer.
Woody was employed at Loveman's Department Store as a watchmaker for 17 years. He and a business partner Jake Culotta later opened Timekeepers, Inc., in downtown Birmingham. They were in business for 21 years before closing the doors to retirement.
Woody continued to repair watches for customers, friends and family until his death. He was an avid reader and authored several books and memoirs, as well as short stories about growing up on the family farm with 6 siblings and a stubborn mule named Brack. He was a "Storefront" member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church for 54 years where he served as Deacon and Elder during his years of membership there.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Briarwood Presbyterian Church Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Briarwood Presbyterian Church Global Missions or Briarwood Church Revitalization Ministry.

Church

11:00 AM ,Saturday, February 1, 2014
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
2200 Briarwood Way Birmingham, AL 35243