Woody was born in Wayne County on May 31, 1935, the son of the late William and Estelle Woodard.
He served his country in the US Army.
In 1962 he moved to Roanoke Rapids, where he became known as the "Lanceman."
He retired from Lance, Inc. and later worked at Ralph's Barbecue, but the highlight of his career was when he became "Mr. Woody, the Bus Driver" for Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.
Woody was a faithful member of Victory Baptist Church where he served as deacon, usher, greeter and soul winner.
He loved all people and he loved life.
Woody is survived by his wife, Naomi; his daughter Vickie Blackley of Dyersburg, TN; his son Gene Woodard and wife Cheryl of Roanoke Rapids; his daughter Phyllis Ramsay and husband Stan of Morehead City; his daughter Grace Lucas and husband Danny of Roanoke Rapids; five grandchildren, April York and husband Donnie of Ripley, TN; Brandon Woodard of Roanoke Rapids; Brittany Clements and husband Brandon of Emporia, VA; Zachary Lucas and wife Karen of Matthews, NC; and Savannah Lucas of Roanoke Rapids; six great-grandchildren, Bailey York and Bryce York of Ripley, TN; Cade Clements, Presley Clements, Saylor Clements and Anniston Clements of Emporia, VA; and Baby Boy Lucas - due in May, of Matthews, NC; two sisters, Essie Smith of Goldsboro, NC and Linda Shaver of Apex, NC; and one brother, Harold Woodard of Princeton, NC.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Layton Woodard, Leamon Woodard and Melvin Woodard; and by his sisters, Ann Giddings and Jesse Parnell.
The family will receive friends and family at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service from 6 - 8 pm on Saturday, April, 7, 2018.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Victory Baptist Church, 2360 Bolling Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC, at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 8, 2018, with Pastor Jeremy Kobernat presiding. Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Park.
Condolences may be sent to the family at Hockadayfs.com
Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.
