Obituary

Ronnie Lynn Woodard, 60, died Monday December 18, 2007 after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by a host of family and friends and greeted in heaven by his parents and friends who have gone on before .

Ronnie was born on May 24, 1947, the youngest child of Johnnie and Eula Mae Woodard. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Vietnam War. After his tour of duty Ronnie graduated from the Johnston Technical Institute in 1975 with a degree in Agricultural Science and Mechanization. Ronnie started producing hogs in the 70’s and cows in the 80’s. He was a successful crop farmer and operated a farm that has been in the Woodard family for over 100 years. He strived to produce prize-winning livestock and worked continuously to improve the herd for his children and grandchildren. Ronnie was President of the former Carolina Farmers Co-op Warehouse and on the Board of Directors for Johnston County Farm Bureau, and lifetime volunteer of the Johnston County Youth Livestock Show. He was a member of the American Chianna Cattle Association, the Pine Level American Legion, the Pine Level Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Selma Masonic Lodge. In 1979 he won 1st place in the NC Corn Yield Contest with a yield of 191.72 bushels/acre. In 1980 he received the Outstanding Tobacco Producer by Phillip Morris.

Ronnie was a loving husband, caring father, and wonderful Pa, who always made time for his family. So many people will miss him dearly, but we find peace in knowing that he will suffer no more.

Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Alice Pittman Woodard, two daughters, April Bowman/Neil of King, NC and Amy Long/David of Pine Level, two grandchildren, Lynae Bowman, 5 and Braelyn Long, 2. A sister, Janie Creech/Shurrell of Charlotte , a brother, Johnny Woodard of Smithfield, and the following uncles and aunts: Billy Woodard, Jr./Jackie, Nancy W. Clarke, all of Pine Level, Steve Peedin/Arlene of Raleigh, and Maude Peedin of Princeton. He is also survived by his friend and caregiver, Kim Bissette who came in the Woodard family 4 years ago when Ronnie’s father became ill. She has tirelessly dedicated the last 4 years of her life to Johnnie, Eula Mae, and the last two months to Ronnie. The family feels a deep appreciation for her time and endless love shown to all the Woodard Family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Hospice at 962 Hwy 42 West, Clayton, NC 27520 or the charity of one's choice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 20th from 6-9 PM at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma. The funeral will be on Friday, at 2 PM also at Parrish’s with a Military Service immediately following at Crocker Cemetery, Pine Level, NC.