Tennessee Journalism Hall Of Fame

“Recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding skill in their Journalism field”

Larry Woody

Aug 27, 2017 at 12:50 am by Hooper


For outstanding service to journalism in Tennessee, Mr. Larry Woody is inducted into the 2017 class of the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame.

Mr. Woody started his newspaper career with the Crossville Chronicle while still in high school, wrote for the Martin Methodist College school paper, and after transferring to Belmont University joined The Tennessean sports department in 1968.

Upon graduation from Belmont the Army "borrowed" him for two years, and he was sent to Vietnam as a combat reporter/photographer. Upon returning to the United States he was sent to Fort Hood, Texas, where he wrote for the post newspaper.

He returned to The Tennessean in 1970 where he covered a wide range of sports including high schools, the National Football League, NASCAR, the Ohio Valley Conference, and the Southeastern Conference.

He also served as the Vanderbilt beat writer for 10 years, and won five Best of Gannett Column Awards and a United Press International Column Award.

Mr. Woody has been named Tennessee Sports Writer of the Year three times. He has been inducted into Tennessee Sports Writers Hall of Fame, the Martin Methodist College Sports Hall of Fame, and into the media division of the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame

He has published five books, including three about Sterling Martin. He has also co-hosted three Nashville sports-talk radio shows.

After retiring from The Tennessean Mr. Woody began writing a syndicated outdoors/travel column. He also contributes to various magazines and does a nationally-syndicated weekly radio NASCAR commentary.

Mr. Larry Woody has distinguished himself by outstanding service to the profession of journalism, and has brought great honor to himself, his community and the State of Tennessee.

Sections: Members | 2017