Wilson "Woody" Gosier

Ladies and gentlemen, Boys and Girls gather around and let me tell you a story of a leader. On March 5, 1967, a very bright star welcomed the arrival of Wilson “Woody” Gosier to Doris and Wilson Gosier in Fort Valley, Peach County, Georgia. To some in the Peach State, this star may have shone as all others. Yet 55 years later on October 20, 2022, many realized that star marked the arrival of a legendary man. In retrospect, his life was unique due to Woody’s loving and dotting parents, who helped shape the new black south. Woody got to know God at an early age. He attended Saint Peter AME in Fort Valley, where Woody sung in the choir and was a part of the Young People’s Department (YPD)

Woody was simply a good guy who happened to be a trendsetter! Growing up in Fort Valley a very special place, at the age of 12 three best friends: Woody Gosier, Norbert Tukes and Stanley Marshall founded the Diplomats Inc. The Gosier home became the frat house. His mother encouraged the young men to incorporate their organization. By their senior year of high school, the Diplomats Inc. was chartered with 14 members. The foundation of the Diplomats is Education and Walking in Excellence and their Motto has shaped their life’s creed; “Be Ye Always of Excellence”. Woody’s leadership and guidance lead to many becoming a part of this distinguished fraternity.

Woody was a member of the Peach County High School Class of 1985. While at Peach County High, Woody played baseball and tennis. Woody was encouraged to explore a world beyond GA. He applied for and was accepted at Virginia State University. Woody quickly became well known on the campus of VSU. Woody made sure VSU knew about the Diplomats and his beloved hometown, Fort Valley, GA. Woody graduated with honors in 1989 earning a degree in Hotel Restaurant Management.

While living in Decatur, he attended a Freaknik at a nearby park. Woody was convinced he and the Diplomats could bring a similar event to Fort Valley. In true Woody Go Go Fashion, he took his vision to The Diplomats and SUNSPLASH was born. What started out as two day Memorial weekend event for their local community, SUNSPLASH grew to draw attendees from Atlanta, Texas and New York.

Woody began his career with the Social Security Administration in May of 1991 as an Operations Support Clerk. During his 31 years and 4 months of dedicated service, he held progressively responsible positions including Claims Clerk; Lead Automation Assistant, Mail Room Lead; and Social Insurance Specialist Disability Examiner. In 2010, Woody completed a one-year Management Development Program (MDP), Woody was selected as a Lead Social Insurance Specialist, Program Leader, a role he held over ten years.