ERWIN (WOODY) WOODWARD, JR.
Savannah, GA
Erwin (Woody) Woodward, Jr., died under the care of Hospice Savannah on November 12, 2014 following a long illness. He was born in Savannah on July 13, 1922, graduated from Savannah High School in 1939, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Virginia Nalley Woodward at First Christian Church in Savannah on December 25, 1943, and they celebrated their 70th Anniversary on Christmas Day, 2013. Following the War, he attended engraving school in Savannah and became a master engraver, a designer of fine jewelry, and a certified gemologist.
Mr. Woodward was active in local Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, having served as elder, chairman of the board, and Sunday School teacher for many years. He also served in church music programs and was choir director at Central Christian, Savannah Christian, and Chatham Christian Churches.
In the 1970’s, he and his wife and five youngest children served as missionaries to Puerto Rico and surrounding islands. He attended church services faithfully until last December, when he became unable to leave his home due to declining health.
Mr. Woodward was preceded in death by his parents Erwin Woodward, Sr., and Gertrude Tullis Woodward, two sons Erwin (Woody) Woodward, III, and George Thomas (Tommy) Woodward, grandson Kenneth (Kenny) M. Ashman, Jr., and daughter-in-law Sherry W. Woodward.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Nalley Woodward; a sister Anne Woodward Beauchamp of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky; three sons Gary C. Woodward, Kelley J. (Angela) Woodward, and Charles E. (Samantha) Woodward; two daughters Kathleen W. (James D.) Groover and Anne W. (Fred L.) Brown; daughter-in-law Frances A. Woodward all of Savannah; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grand children, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday 22 November for family and friends at PARKWAY CHURCH OF CHRIST (4360 Ogeechee Rd, http://www.thegreatestcommand.org/).
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of HOSPICE SAVANNAH, especially Irene Kalu, R.N., for the great service and comfort they provided during the past 9 months. The family would like to request that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406, in Mr. Woodward’s memory. (http://www.hospicesavannah.org/ContactUs)
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C.J. Neesmith
A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
May the many fond memories of your loved one provide you with peace and serenity at this time of loss.
Sandra Parrott
All of the Woodward family are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Woodward’s legacy of unwavering faith, boundless love of family and friends, and endless enjoyment of music will live on forever in the countless number of lives he so richly influenced. We love you all so much. With deepest sympathy, Bill and Sandra Parrott