Benjamin Wilson Woodruff, Jr.

COLUMBIA - the burial of the Dead, Rite I, will be celebrated for Dr. Benjamin Wilson Woodruff, Jr. at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1100 Sumter Street. The Very Reverend Dane Boston and The Reverend Canon James Hartley will preside. A special musical memorial will begin at 9:30 am, by members of the SC Philharmonic, reception to follow the service in Satterlee Hall and interment in the Woodruff family plot in Elmwood Cemetery will follow the reception.

Dr. Woodruff or “Woody” as he was lovingly called, died peacefully in his sleep late in the evening on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, following a period of declining health. Born on August 3, 1938 in Franklin, NC, he was the oldest son of the late Ruth Hunt Woodruff and Benjamin Wilson Woodruff, Sr. In 1943, the family moved to Greenville SC and ten years later, when Mr. Woodruff was relocated with BellSouth, the family settled in Columbia. After graduating from Dreher High School, Woody attended the University of South Carolina and in 1961 received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with oboe as his primary instrument. His studies continued at the University of Illinois, where he earned his Master of Science in Music in 1963 and Doctor of Education in Music in 1976. His dissertation, a measure by measure analysis of every Rachmaninoff orchestral composition, with conducting suggestions and instructions, was published in four volumes. Woody was an accomplished oboist and music historian. He was a professor of music at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY and returned to Columbia, SC to begin his career at the SC Philharmonic as a principal oboe of the orchestra (oboe and English horn) and later as the music librarian. Upon his return to Columbia, Woody became a member of his beloved Trinity Episcopal Cathedral where his elegant baritone voice was a fixture in the choir for over 30 years. This year would have been Woody’s 40th season as the SC Philharmonic’s Music Librarian.

Woody was a wealth of musical knowledge and a delightful conversationalist. When you asked his opinion – he gave it. If he didn’t like a piece of music, he told you. Woody did not concede to computers or cell phones and when the SC Philharmonic office internet would fail, you would often hear him say “technology fails again!” as he continued to work on his typewriter and card catalogue. His attention to detail was impeccable and as the SC Philharmonic librarian, he was responsible for every piece of sheet music. For string parts - he penciled in bowings, and for winds, brass and percussion – every phrase or breath mark. After every concert performance, Woody patiently waited backstage to gather the music, gently erasing all his meticulous notations, so the music could be returned in pristine condition to the rental company or library. Woody attended every orchestra rehearsal for more than 40 years, making sure every musician had what was needed from him. He was a true southern gentleman with refined tastes. He appreciated good grammar, good food and good manners. He saved his seersucker suit and white shoes for after Easter and appreciated a proper place setting. On a weekday, he could be found in his office, conducting and singing loudly to everything from Verdi to Doris Day and on the weekends, he performed every Nutcracker and Messiah in town. Woody was selfless, offering his spare bedroom to out of town guests and treating your children like his own. He loved dining with friends at the Blue Marlin, appreciated a well-made chocolate milk shake and secretly matched his socks to his shirt, no matter the color. Most importantly, he was a devoted and wonderful friend to many, from the moment you shook his hand.

Woody is predeceased by his father Benjamin Wilson Woodruff, mother Ruth Hunt Woodruff and brother William Elliott Woodruff. He is survived by his cousins Virginia “Ginny” Hunt McElveen (Mac), Leslie McElveen Swain and Elizabeth Swain (all of Eastover), William D. McElveen (Suzette) of Florence, Stanley S. Gere of Atlanta, GA, James Cressman of Atlanta and John M. Hunt (Carolyn) of Monroe, NC; devoted friend, Dr. Ann Ruderman (Dr. William Keane), and treasured friends from Trinity Episcopal Church and the South Carolina Philharmonic. Woody also leaves behind his beloved friend, Robin Hallyburton and her family. For the past several years, Robin has kept a watchful eye and assisted him in preparing for his later years - an accomplishment with which none of the family had any success. He loved and adored the Hallyburton family and his absence will leave a void in their lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Carolina Philharmonic, 1704 Main Street, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29201 or Trinity Episcopal Church, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Thank you to the nurses and staff of Still Hopes Retirement Community for the loving care which he received. Our Woody will be missed and lovingly remembered.