Herman Nathaniel Woodum, was born April 14, 1936, in Dublin, Georgia, to Ned Woodum and Irene Edwards Woodum. The second oldest child of three: oldest brother, Herbert Woodum, whom he respected, and baby sister, Irma Jean Williams, whom he was close to and would say, “We were like two peas in a pod”. His mother, whom he loved and held dear to his heart, instilled values of a living God, faith, love, respect, the importance of family, hard work and dedication.
He attended Wogaman Elementary School where he spoke of his fondest childhood memories, and Dunbar High School where he decided to make the career decision to follow his big brother into the U. S. Air Force. In 1953, while only 17 years old at the time, he convinced his mother how serious he was about his future and passionate to serve our country, so, Irene decided to sign parental consent for him to serve in the U. S. Air Force where he obtained his high school diploma. “Hooah!”
Serving our country for 12 years until his honorable discharge in 1963, Herman began a career at NCR as a painter (what he enjoyed doing the most), and part-time cook assistant for 8 years. During that time in 1966, he became an employee with Dayton Tire & Rubber for 12 years, while gaining employment with the Dayton State Hospital (Twin Valley Behavioral) as head of housekeeping in 1975 until his retirement in 1998. During that year he met his best friend of 8 years, Sapanallah Johnson. It was said, “You never saw one without the other”. They soon married in May 2005, and like always she was by his side even on the day when the Lord called him home, December 3, 2021.
Herman was a devoted son, brother, husband, stepfather, and grandfather. He loved his favorite niece, Kim Smith, and grandson, RayShawn Johnson. He will be dearly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herbert; nephew, Zellus Williams; stepson, Joshua Johnson.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Sapanallah Johnson Woodum; sister, Irma Jean Williams; niece, Anita Shepherd; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Graveside service, with honor guard, will be held 11 am Wednesday, December 22, at the Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W. Third St. (Mask Required).
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9-10)
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