J.E. Woodard

J.E. Woodard, 89, of Wilson, died Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Visitation, Thursday, 9:30 AM at Wilson Memorial Service followed by the Funeral at 10:00 AM and Interment in Evergreen Memorial Park.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Bettie Smith Woodard on June 16, 2025.

J.E. was the youngest of 10 children born to Alex and Mary Gardner Woodard and had many wonderful memories of growing up in a large, loving farm family.

J.E. graduated as valedictorian in the Stantonsburg High School Class of 1953. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served assignments across the country and in Asia and Africa.

After completing 21 years in the Air Force, J.E. joined Firestone in Wilson where he managed warehouse and post-production operations. He retired his second time in 2000.

In retirement, J.E. was active with the Robert B. Anderson American Legion Post 13. He served three terms as a State Vice Commander and many years as Chairman of the Legion’s Boys State Commission. He was also a volunteer driver for the VA Hospital.

A man of devout faith, J.E. was a longtime member of Upper Town Creek Primitive Baptist Church and enjoyed attending many Association meetings with Bettie.

J.E. and Bettie enjoyed spending time at their home on Lake Gaston, boating and fishing on the lake and rocking on the front porch.

He is survived by his sons Mike Woodard (Rev. Sarah Woodard) of Durham and Jeff Woodard (Paula) of Mount Juliet, TN; step-daughter, Elizabeth Logan (Mike) of Pikeville; step-son, John Cayton, Jr. (Martha) of Saratoga; step-grandchildren, Keith Wilson of Elm City, Edward Cayton (Casey) of Wilson, and Dr. Emily Cayton (David Weathersby) of Four Oaks; step-great-grandchildren, Katelyn Hinton, Kortney Wilson, Lane and Charlie Weathersby, Kinsley Cayton, and baby boy Cayton expected in October; great-great-granddaughter Natalie Hinton; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Legion Post 13, PO Box 3065, Wilson, NC 27895.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 252-237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com