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PENDLETON – John Howard Woodard, Jr., 76, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 10, 2022, with his family by his side. He was born July 3, 1945, in Pendleton, NC to the late John Howard Woodard, Sr. and Catherine Britt Woodard.

After graduating from Conway High School, John attended East Carolina University and then completed the architectural drafting course from Massey Technical Institute in Jacksonville, FL. Following graduation, he worked for the Virginia Division of Highways in Suffolk, VA and Draper Building Supply in Boykins, VA, before assuming operation of the family farm in Pendleton until his retirement. Over the years, John took pride in both his farming as well as drafting house plans from New York to Florida.

John was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved and supported his wife and children over the years, and enjoyed family trips, especially family vacations to the beach. Known as “J” to his grandchildren, he enjoyed listening to their stories, spending time with them, and supporting their interests.

John was a lifelong member of Roberts Chapel Baptist Church, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer, and Deacon over the years. In addition to church, he served as member and President of the Murfreesboro Historical Association, member of the Murfreesboro NC Historical Commission, board member of the NC Watermelon Festival-Murfreesboro, and was appointed to the NC Federation of Historical Societies.

John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra Edwards Woodard; daughter, Amy Woodard Marriott and husband Chris, of Greensboro, NC; son, John Robert Woodard and wife Kristin, of Ahoskie, NC; five grandchildren, William Marriott, Jackson Marriott, Landon Woodard, Abigail Woodard, and Stella Woodard; nieces, Mary Frances Layman and Katy Ludlow, both of Maryland. He is also survived by cousins, extended family, and friends. John was preceded in death by his sister, Rachel Woodard Webb; and brother-in-law, James Webb.

The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Michael Alston, Dr. Chang Son, Linda Vaders, and Dr. Emmanuel Zervos. The family would also like to express sincere thanks to the Vidant Roanoke Chowan Oncology and Hematology team as well as Vidant Roanoke Chowan ICU and Comfort Care staff.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Roberts Chapel Baptist Church, Pendleton, NC with the Rev. Michael Currin officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow the service at Roberts Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Pendleton, NC.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made directly to the Roberts Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 128, Pendleton, NC  27862, or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search fund; type John Woodard.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service-Murfreesboro is handling the arrangements for the family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.