William D Woodson

William Delbert Woodson, who was affectionately known as Bubby, was born on December 18, 1945. Bubby was the second born child to Ruth Marie Richardson Woodson and John Edd Woodson in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was 75 years old when he transitioned.

Bubby attended grade school at Indianapolis Public Schools #26 and #56. During his youth, he was baptized at and attended Martindale Church of Christ. As a member of Shortridge High School’s graduating class of 1964, Bubby excelled in multiple activities such as chess club, wrestling, and football. After high school, he went on to obtain his associate’s degree from Purdue University, as part of the first ever Data Processing Program. He pledged Freemason while a student there. Bubby then began his data processing career at IBM, where he worked for over 6 years. After leaving IBM, he was successful in entrepreneurial ventures of real estate brokerage, managing the family car wash (Wash-A-Rack) and operating a custom t-shirt business (Custom T-Shirts).

Throughout his adult life, Bubby strictly reserved Mondays for fishing. As long as the weather allowed, he and his mom would head to the lake at 5am, not to return sometimes until after 9pm, with blue gills and crappies in tow. Salmon fishing was his favorite. In addition to filleting and preparing freshly caught fish, Bubby also loved to cook ribs on the makeshift smoker he built from an old refrigerator. He always took pride and care to create his own special sauce to share with family.

Cars were a grand interest of Bubby’s, and a source of several accomplishments. He was active in the drag racing circuit, assisted with bringing the first vintage auto show to Indianapolis, and also was a sponsor of the First Annual Black Auto and Sport Show in Indianapolis as part of the the Indianapolis Black Expo. Bubby also had a prized 1967 GTO that he enjoyed cruising in. Along with a love for cars was a genuine love for music, which started with him playing the cornet and percussions. Bubby was known for promoting blues shows and Amnesty the Band. Out of his many talents, billiards were Bubby’s specialty. He competed in the International Pool Tournament that was held in Las Vegas every year, and he has been ranked as one of the world’s top 20 pool players. This led to Bubby becoming the first Black referee for the prestigious tournament.

Bubby lived a full life. He was a loving father and brother who is survived by his sister, Johnnie Mae Woodson Alex; sons, William Woodson Jr. and John Woodson; and daughters Shannon Woodson, Simonna Woodson, and Kaliah (Woodson) Elliott. Bubby has 20 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30.