Ronald L. Woodward or “Woody” as many knew him, moved to his long-awaited Heavenly home on Monday, April 22, 2024. Ron loved God, his family, his country, and his people. He set an example for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that will lead them all their lives.
Ron was born on April 29, 1936, in Iuka. The son of David and Lyda (Mulvaney) Woodward. He married the love of his life, Betty Lou Thomas on September 3, 1955. She preceded him in death.
He is survived by his precious daughter, Terry Lee Hilton and husband Richard of Iuka; grandchildren April Hilton of Henderson, KY, and her sons Kaleb, Kendall (Lillian), and Kam’Ron Hilton, Andrew Hilton of Iuka, and Amanda Weems and husband Matthew of Iuka and their children Hosea and Hope Weems; sister Clara (Robert) Meyer of Iuka as well as many other loved ones, church family and dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Mildred Donoho, Martha Davis, Mary Smith, Harry Woodward, Edgar Woodward, Helen Rogers, Louise Adams, Wilson Woodward, and Frankie Woodward; and one great-great-grandchild.
Ron served as a paratrooper in the United States Army during the Korean War as a member of the 101st Airborne. He was the owner and founder of H&W Lumber, Buildings Inc. in Iuka, IL. He was a long-time member of the Iuka General Baptist Church and served in different ministry roles including, deacon, Associate Pastor, and Pastor. He was devoted to furthering the Gospel through missionary work around the globe and had a heart for both Jamaica and Honduras.
While not a formally educated man, Ron possessed God-given wisdom that helped him to lead people in business and faith. To his family, he was the smartest man alive who could do and build anything, especially if he used his favorite “100-mile-an-hour tape”. He was a diligent worker in everyday life and ministry. Countless lives have been touched by his loving kindness, silliness, many stories, and words of wisdom. Only heaven knows what a wonderful and eternal impact his many years of faithful service have had on his family, his friends, his community, and the world at large.
Funeral Services for Ronald L. Woodward will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Iuka General Baptist Church with Pastors Tracy Bennett and Ray Barnes officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 until the time of the service. Burial will follow at the Iuka Cemetery with Military Rites by the Salem American Legion. Memorial contributions can be made to the family and will be received at the church or at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
