Woody… Johnny… Zorro… Dad… Silver Fox… Papaw Johnny… J.W… Pops… a man of tiny frame, many names and big personality has gained his wings. He meant something special to everyone he came across. John was a man who loved one woman his whole life with all of his heart, he was a classic, a gem, a father who taught his children to drive fast, always think smart, to be independent, to take that chance even when the stakes are high and to be a dedicated, loyal loving friend.

John C. Woodard, Sr., 80, left this earthly world on the morning of Sunday, May 24^th after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born to mother Vivian Christine (Bauer) Woodard in 1939 on Christmas Eve in Galveston, Texas. Raised by his mom and numerous uncles and aunts, he lived off South Illinois and Beaumont Street all but 13 years of his life. He graduated in 1958 from Clear Creek High School and attended Blinn College and Southwest Texas State for a short while. He would eventually enjoy a lengthy 40-year career in the refineries as a field engineer traveling for companies like Marathon. Most recently, he worked as a school bus driver for CCISD over the last 15 years. In each of these stages of life, John made friends for a lifetime. Like his best friend since 1^st grade Bob Pell.

John is survived by the love of his life, Gladys Louise (Tolbert) Woodard whom he met on February 8, 1963 at the age of 23. John and Gladys met at the bowling alley in Dickinson. Their first date was at Clifton by the Sea and they would marry in a little less than two months on April 5, 1963 at St. John Methodist Church. They celebrated 57 years of marriage in April of this year.  They would add a baby girl to the family before moving their home to Texas City and adding two other children. In 1979, they moved to their newly built home back on Beaumont Street in League City with a 14, 11 and 8 years old in tow. He cared for his loving wife until the very end when it was no longer something he could handle at home. The family is very thankful Gladys is unaware of understanding her lifelong love has passed away.

John will be fondly remembered by his family and friends as an active member of the American Legion Post #554. He was a consistent and dedicated donator of quarters. The American Legion is very special to the family because of the great friendships John made and their care and concern through his sickness. The Legion is known to his family as his home away from home and known to Gladys as the thorn in her side. John was an avid bowler and won multiple trophies and tournaments and would create a love for bowling in his entire family. He was a lover of music including The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Patsy Cline and Marty Robbins and “real” country music. He always played the radio too loud for Gladys. Famous for Friday night poker games with his buddies during his plant years and most recently playing poker with his son and sons-in-law at the Legion. John was a lifelong member of League City United Methodist Church.

He is survived by 3 children, Paula Woodard-Knox (Frank), Brenda Kay Barchman (Donovan) and John C. Woodard, Jr. (Mandy).  As well as seven grandchildren – Josh Reagan, Brady Woodard, Jordan Reagan, Emily Woodard, Zane Knox, Jake Knox and Presley Woodard.

He is also survived by a sister Judith Ann Warco (George) of Greensville, South Carolina, Sister-in-law Fran Tolbert Morris (Lloyd) of Sachse, TX and brother-in-law Chet Tolbert (Betty) of Tomball, TX. He is further survived by numerous nephews, cousins and other relatives who he loved dearly and enjoyed spending time.

Johnny, the family will continue to honor you for how great you are and continue to mourn the depth of the loss felt. You are in a much better place with no pain and no headaches probably cruising down the streets of gold in your car of choice going too fast with “Granall” holding on tight.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28^th from 6-8pm and the Celebration of Life will be Friday, May 29th at 11am. Both will be held at the Crowder Funeral Home at 1645 E Main Street in League City. His final resting place will be at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, Texas.

Pallbearers will be John’s sons-in-law Frank Knox and Donovan Barchman and his 4 grandsons Josh Reagan, Brady Woodard, Zane Knox and Jake Knox.

The family would like to extend a special appreciation to the AMED nurses who took great care of John during his last days. Thank you, Diana, Julia, Nicky, Sue and Nadia.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the American Legion Post #554, contact 281-332-8733 or to the Alzheimer Association at https://alz.org/ .