Mr. James Earl “Jim” Woodard of Rome, GA, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025, at his residence.
Mr. Woodard was born in Eastman, GA, on May 13, 1936, son of the late James Benjamin “J.B.” Woodard and the late Marjorie McElheney Woodard. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Michael “Mike” Woodard. Mr. Woodard graduated high school from Emory at Oxford in Covington, GA, and went on to receive his B.S. Degree from Emory University where he was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity. Jim was a veteran of the United States Air Force having served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He began his career working at General Foods Corporation. Then, along with his father, operated the Piggly Wiggly stores in Summerville, Trion and Menlo for many years. Mr. Woodard later owned and operated Allied Foods for over 20 years until his retirement. He was a faithful member his entire life of the Summerville First United Methodist Church and the Cloudland Presbyterian Church held a special place in both his and Becky’s heart.
Mr. Woodard was a mountain of a man and the true definition of “a man’s man.” He loved people dearly and never met a stranger. Once you became a friend of Jim’s there was nothing he wouldn’t do for you. Mr. Woodard was a Huge UGA football fan, an avid golfer, and was always up for a good glass of scotch. He loved Lake Lahusage and the mountain was his happy place. His family meant everything to him, especially his loving wife of 41 years, Becky.
Survivors include his wife, Becky Woodard, Rome; 3 daughters, Leah Dawson (Tod), Savannah, Rosanne Jones (Andy), Augusta, and Rosalyn Franklin (Greg), Naples, FL; 6 grandchildren, Tyler Dawson, Lexie Dawson, Sophie Franklin, Davis Franklin, Olivia Monjeau, and Anderson Jones; his sister, Virginia Sanders; numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Summerville First United Methodist Church, with Mr. Lynn Dempsey officiating. Mr. Woodard will be interred in Cloudland Presbyterian Church Cemetery at a private service prior to the memorial.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Jim’s memory to either Cloudland Presbyterian Church or to Summerville First United Methodist Church.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Mr. James Earl “Jim” Woodard.
