George William Woodyard

George "Buddy" William Woodyard, Sr, passed away peacefully in the arms of his Savior on May 14, leaving behind a legacy of faith, devotion, hard work, and love that will live on through generations of family and friends.

A lifelong servant of the Lord, he was a faithful Sunday School teacher, deacon, choir member, and a servant wherever there was a need. As a teenager, he was baptized at Bassets Creek. His Christian faith was not something he simply spoke about- it was woven into the way he lived every day of his life. His family never questioned where they would be on Sundays and Wednesday nights. Church, faith, family, and serving others were the foundation upon which he built his life.

He shared a beautiful love story with the love of his life, Barbara Ann Parten Woodyard. Their story began in high school, where they became so devoted to one other that they reportedly had to be separated during study hall. On one of their very first dates, he picked Barbara up in a truck with his friend Clifford sitting between them. From those humble beginnings grew a marriage of nearly 69 years marked by steadfast love, partnership, laughter, faith, and hard work. Together, they built a life and a family rooted in devotion and perseverance. They were true partners in every sense of the word. Each morning began with breakfast and a discussion of all they planned to accomplish that day, and they worked side by side from morning until night, enjoying the life they built together.

He was a loving and devoted father to his three daughters and son. Through both discipline and laughter, he instilled in them the values of hard work, responsibility, servant-hearted living, and faithfulness. His children knew they were loved, provided for, and guided by a father who was steady, dependable, and true.

He dearly loved his family together. There was always laughter, singing, push-up contest, skits and costumes of some sort.

Born with a love for the outdoors and a strong work ethic, he rarely spent time sitting still. He enjoyed gardening, building, hunting, and fishing, and could usually be found outside working on something. In fact, his family jokes that the only time he could be found in front of the television was when the Billy Graham Crusade was on or when the world was trying to figure out "Who shot J.R.?" on the television show Dallas.

He graduated from Leroy High School where he played football and basketball and was active in FFA. His dedication and knowledge of agriculture earned him recognition as one of the five Star Farmers in the State of Alabama at the convention held at Auburn University. He Attended East Mississippi Junior College and later the University of Alabama where he majored in Chemistry.

After working for several years at Ciba-Geigy, he began his lifelong career in 1965 at Allied Paper, later Boise Cascade, and now PCA. He devoted himself to his work and became deeply knowledgeable about the pulp and paper industry. He believed in doing a job well, working hard, and providing faithfully for his family.

To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was "Pawpaw Buddy", and he leaves behind treasured memories that will never fade. One memory forever etched into the hearts of his family was his determination to keep a roaring wood fire going at Christmas gatherings no matter the weather- to the point that everyone knew they had better dress in summer clothes for the party.

Though Parkinson's disease gradually took much from him physically in recent years, it never diminished the strength of his spirit, the love of hid family, or the impact of a life faithfully lived. He remained deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Taylor and Willodean Woodyard, sister, Virginia Gill Burge, brother Neil Woodyard, son-in-law Cliff Jones, Great-granddaughter Jazlyn Jones.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 69 years, Barbara Ann Parten Woodyard; his children, Georgiann (Mark) Lewis, Terrilynn (Cliff) Jones, Amanda (Freddie) McLain. And George William "Will" Woodyard, Jr (Jennifer); grandchildren Leslie Ann Lewis, Bonnie Moseley, Sarah Jones, Jessie Davis, Haleigh Caster, Louis McLain, Patrick McLain, Caroline Woodyard, George William Woodyard, III; and great-grandchildren Eli, Sawyer, Alyssa, Landon, Spencer, Joseph, Elizabeth, Allie, Fairley, Bethany, and Evie.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Leroy First Baptist Church in Leroy, Alabama.

His family rejoices in knowing that he is now healed, restored, and home with the Lord he served so faithfully.