Gary Christian Woodward, age 70, passed away Monday February 26, at Memorial Medical Center, following a long illness. Gary was born June 16, 1953, in Savannah, and was the middle of 7 children of Erwin Woodward, Jr., and Virginia Nalley Woodward. He had a resident at Riverview Health & Rehab for 4 years.
Gary attended Tybee School, Isle of Hope School, Bartlett Middle School, Savannah Christian School, and Jenkins High School. He did well in school until he became ill at the age of 15 and was unable to attend.
Gary loved his first 8 years of life at Tybee, and when at age 9 the family moved to Harrock Hall and he came to love his new home and lived there for 58 years. His only time away from home was from 1972-1976, when his parents and five youngest children lived in Puerto Rico as missionaries. Gary loved the rain forest, swimming in the beautiful Puerto Rican waters, picking oranges on the hillside, riding the bus, and crossing on the ferry to Old San Juan.
Gary was baptized at Savannah (Compassion) Christian Church at age 11 and has been faithful to the Lord his entire life. He was always proud that his middle name is “Christian,” and he always included it in his signature. Gary attended Church regularly as long as he was able. He never failed to sing praises to God, and frequently wrote his praises down to show others. He loved his family dearly and we loved him dearly.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and his two oldest brothers, Erwin “Woody” Woodward, III, and George Thomas “Tommy” Woodward. He was also preceded by his brother-in-law Fred L. Brown, Jr., his sister-in-law
Sherry W. Woodward, his nephew Kenneth “Kenny” M. Ashman, Jr., niece Lydia Anne Woodward, grandnephew Zion Linton.
Gary is survived by brothers Charles E. “Charlie” (Samantha) Woodward and Kelley J. (Angie) Woodward, sisters Kathleen S. Nalley, and Anne W. Brown, 8 nieces, and 5 nephews, and too many grand-nieces and grand-nephews to count.
We believe that, if Gary could send everyone a message, he would say, “Love God, love others, preach His Word to everyone, remember that Jesus died in your place, and be a faithful Christian.” AMEN
WE LOVE YOU, GARY CHRISTIAN WOODWARD
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Compassion Christian Church https://pushpay.com/g/
The graveside service will be held at Greenwich Cemetery Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM.
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Dawn Davenport Reynolds
Ann and Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I remember seeing him and the rest of your family when my mother and I visited Savannah Christian. I am praying for peace and comfort for the all of you.
Ed Cope
I cherish the memories Gary and I used to spend together growing up at Harrock Hall….we were best friends and spent many moments climbing trees, playing football and roaming the woods that were there when we were growing up…I know Gary had a strong faith and a genuine love for God.Rest in peace, my friend.🙏
Jacqueline Bias
We extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Gary Christian Woodward. He will and is truly be missed here at Riverview Health and Rehab.