He was born on October 14, 1940, in Dothan, Alabama to Woodrow Ellison and Audre Merritt. He was raised in Columbus, Georgia. Woodie graduated from Jordan Vocational High School in 1960 and retired from Merchant Services, Inc. He was a part of Columbus Jaycees and was involved in many activities including playing senior softball and going to the gym. He was a Christian and attended Glenn Anthony Baptist and Central Baptist church. He was also a die-hard Alabama Crimson Tide fan.
His mentor was the late football coach Vince Lombardi, who stressed the importance of reaching a goal no matter what effort is required and was famously quoted of his inspirational thoughts throughout his lifetime. Woodie had very strong values and was inspired by Coach Lombardi’s beliefs, which is how he lived his life. Two of his favorites were “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” and “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” Woodie believed in looking his best and strived to do his best. He was not a quitter and fought through extreme rough times, especially in the years prior to his passing.
Woodie was preceded in death by his parents Woodrow Ellison, Audrey Merritt and Lloyd Merritt (stepfather), wife Terrie Williams, grandparents, Mandy and Clifton Harrell, aunt, Clora Brothers, uncle, James Baxter and a niece, Janice Daughtry.
He is survived by his three children, Vonda Durham, Jennifer Fisher and Heather Dryman, sister, Betty Daughtry, grandchildren, Kirstie White, Tre’ Ellison, Emma Fisher, Aubrey and Jordyn Dryman, great-grandchildren, Addison and Stella White and numerous nieces and nephews.
A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:00 am at Striffler Hamby Mortuary of Columbus.
The family welcomes donations be sent to Columbus Hospice at 7020 Moon Rd, Columbus, GA 31909, as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Ellison family.
