He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War until retiring after 32 years at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Styron married Mary Alice Styron; he had one June and a son Woodland Jr. 2 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was an active member of Saint Mary's Free Will Baptist Church where he served on the Usher Board and the Board of Trustees and was a member of the W.B. Everett Sunday School Class. Mr. Styron was also a 50-year member of Doric Masonic Lodge No. 568 and a member of the New Bern Scottish Rite Bodies and the Sudan Temple.