Willie "Howard" Woodard

Willie Howard Woodard, fondly known as “Howard”, born to the union of the late Lola Mae Gilmore and Herman Woodard July 4, 1936 in Shubuta, Mississippi, transitioned from this life to be in the presence of the Lord Wednesday, October 26, 2017. At a very young age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. In 1953, Howard moved to Dayton, Ohio where he enrolled in and graduated from Roosevelt High School. A hard and diligent worker, Howard retired from Delco Moraine Division of General Motors and was the owner/operator of W.H. Woodard Concrete and Asphalt Company. He truly loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. In his prime, he was a big man with a jovial personality and easily made friends. A kindhearted, gentle, and giving man, he never met a stranger, and he would give his last dollar to anyone in need. Howard was a fan of all sports, enjoyed playing cards, dancing and music, and being from the south, he loved the blues. An avid traveler, he enjoyed rode trips, cruises and annual flights to Maryland.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vera L., three grandchildren including Jeri’ L. Whorton, whom he raised.

Left to cherish fond memories and celebrate his legacy are loving siblings and sister-in-law, Lewis H. Woodard of Laurel, MS, Mack Clinton and Betty Woodard with whom he resided, Kathleen Craft-Turner, and Shirleen Craft both of Shubuta, MS, Terry Craft of Dayton; aunt, Ceola Arrington; children, Marlyn Bush, Michael Ingram, Andrea (Joseph) Whetsine, Arletta Jo Rutledge, Anita (Ronald) Moulden;  grandchildren, Raymond Bush Jr., Michael Ingram II, Michelle Shoun, Jerrell Moore, Juan Rutledge, Qiana Quigg, Stephen Campbell, Gregory Williamson II; former wife, Mary; 10 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Home-going celebration will be held 1 pm Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at the House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave. Rev. Jackie Robinson, of Valley Peace Missionary Baptist Church, officiating. Visitation 10 am Tuesday at the funeral home until time of service. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment Woodland Cemetery.

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