Guess who’s great grandson scored a 7 second left in the game WINNING touchdown? 

Yours. 

Missing you Old Man. I love you

Hey Papaw,
I found your pup hanging out in the old photos. Sasha loved you so much. 
I’m so glad you’re with one another. 

My birthday just passed again. I tried not to be sad this time around. You will never know how much my heart misses you.

Well well, 

If it isn’t you and I again for a chat. Thank you for the dream visits lately, sorry they’ve been so short lived. How are you? I hope you are well… feeling better. You and mom sometimes visit at the same time which is nice. I wish I could call you papaw.. Vera talks about you often which I feel is a reminder you are near me. Just thought I’d stop by. Missing you so much. Accepting your big hug right now. I love you 
-boo

Hey You, 
Sorry I didn’t write on my birthday. What a good one.
I was just dealing with some things-emotionally and I realized lately that I might still be real heavily grieving you..
It feels safe to come here and talk to you. 

I truly wish Love could have healed you. 
I miss you to an immense amount.. 
I think a great part of me, perished in your passing. I am trying to find the phoenix in the flames.
I love you papaw. 
I love you so much. 

-boo

Papaw sometimes I feel like I was robbed of our time together. Your passing has devastated me. August through December just seem to linger with grief and I often find myself in my car at a green light with no will to go through it during this time. Pictures like this remind me that we had many times together. We had many memories and Nanney behind the lens. This picture reminds me that we all at one time were a family.. I wish I could hug you today. I really need it. Give biscuit a Taco Bell wrapper for me. 
I love you…
-Boo

Hey papaw! 
Guess what? 
I got a huge promotion at work and it's all finally coming together. You would be so happy for me and that's so nice to think about. 

I've been making good money so I took the family to Denver last week to celebrate. 
Yesterday the kids and I went to play baseball and there was a man walking by and Vera said to me, "wow he sounded like Papaw." And i was thinking it but.. she still gets very emotional sometimes. 
I was thinking about your hugs tonight. And how hard you would squeeze me, like it meant something everytime. I appreciate you for that. 
I miss you Papaw. Nanney is okay, but I know she longs to see you too. 
Say hi to Biscuit for me. 
We miss you. 
-Boo

Can you believe that!? 
He spent the day hanging at home with CJ I'm sure. Look at that little bubba! Haha

How are things? 
I'm sure they're great on your end.  Did you visit nanney recently? 
I miss her. I miss you. 

I served a man at work today that had your voice. Strangely, his hand randomly started bleeding while I was taking his order. I didn't say anything and just brought him  what he needed and it really choked me up. He was out to lunch with his Wife and grandson. 
I would have driven to your house today to spend the night I feel like. 

I love you. Have some banana pudding from Buccees for me today. I really need a hug. 
-Boo

Hey Papaw guess what?

Rhett Leon Knoll turned 6 months old on monday. 
I wish you could have held him. 
You came to visit me in a dream the other night.. it was so nice to see you. 
How is it up there?  Can you see me down here..? 
Vera talks about you a lot. I think Teagan keeps to himself about it more. 
I wish I would have saved more voicemails so I could hear you again. Please look over Nanney, Uncle Gary.. Mom. 

I hope in Nanneys dreams, you are there with her.  I miss her too. 
I love you so so so much. 
I miss you deeply. 
Always Yours,
Boo

Papaw guess what today is? 
It’s my 30th birthday. 
It’s 12:01 and no one is awake so I thought maybe I’d share it with you instead. 

I am saddened by birthdays now sometimes, because I don’t have a birthday card or you calling me and unfortunately Nanney isn’t remembering. Thank you for always making it feel special. I’m not sure I like birthdays anymore- but I’m sure in time the pain of your absence will lessen. 
You were supposed to be here though and I hate that you are not. 

I love you. And I miss you. Happy birthday to me ❤️ Your Boo. 

Hey Papaw,
I know I mentioned it before but did I ever tell you how PROUD I was that Rhett has yours, and Uncle Gary’s middle name? 
Vera has moms middle name. I know you liked that.

My birthday is coming up again. I’ll be 30 this time. How are you? I wish you could visit me in my dreams soon. I think sometimes you don’t for my better health or whatever but I sure miss hearing your voice. 
It makes me sad sometimes that I’ll have to remember you longer than I knew you. 
It feels unfair. 
Im hugging you right now, I mean, if I could. 
I miss you so much….
I love you always and forever. 

Boo

Hey Papaw, it’s about to be Christmas. Nanney’s birthday. She’s not quite remembering birthdays anymore but she remembers you 💙
Sometimes it seems like things fell apart when you left. I’m glad you went though.. I’m glad you are no longer suffering. 
It’s just strange that I can’t hug you. I wish you could hug mom too. She really needs a hug. I had another baby.. I gave him your middle name. You would be so happy. 

God I wish you were here to sort it all out and hold Rhett. I love you so much. 
-Boo

Hey Papaw, 
I saw this video the other day of a girl getting married and dancing with her Papaw and it just really reminded me of you. And how I wanted to ask you to walk me halfway down the aisle someday. I know we always laughed about when I would get wifed up and you would tell me to never settle. Today I am feeling a little sad and I wish I could drive to your house and sit in the bed with you. Or let my kids wake up early with nanney and I sleep in with you. I sure miss you. I miss your hugs a lot. I love you. I miss you. I hope it’s okay up there for you 
I love you always and forever- 
Boo

Hey Papaw, haven’t stopped by here in awhile but just thought since I am in Colorado and you are in Houston this is the equivalent of visiting you at the cemetery. 
I got some good news the other day and I wish I could call and surprise you with it. You were in my dream the other day and I think you may have just been sitting at the table but I felt your presence.. 
one of the last times we were together I crawled in bed with you, upset about something, and you snuggled with me until I stopped being upset. I sure miss your hugs and wisdom. Nanney is going to come visit me soon and I’m going to take her on a gondola to make sure she “isn’t bored” like you asked me to. It’s still unreal to me that you are gone. I miss your voice so much. 
I love you. 

Boo

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Gary Leon Woodard Sr. family.  How important it is to celebrate a life well lived and to cherish the many memories that your family has shared together.   We don't know what to say.  We can't understand exactly how you feel, but God does and will keep raising you up.  We hope that our prayers will help a little.   While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one, we look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having our heavenly Father return your dear one to you.  So, lets look into the Bible for a wonderful scripture that will help give your family the encouragement and hope that they need.  It reads like this.  "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."  John 5:28,29

I met Gary when he was working out of the NE substation and I was working at a hotel in his district. We would talk often. I remember him being a very nice friendly person and a very good police officer. I was very saddened to learn of his passing. 
Prayers for his family.

I went to school with Gary Jr. And we were in the same grade. I really got to know Gary Sr. When I became close friends with  Misti.  Misti and I ran around together a lot and 'Dad' (Mr. Gary) treated me like I was one of his kids. At my wedding,  Misti was my maid of honor. Her and her parents all drove 18 hours to be here for my special day. He danced with me several times that day. I am thankful for the great memories I have. He will be missed. 


Dad (Gary Sr), Mom, my brother Gary JR and me.  Our family was goofy at times.  

Although I didn't know Gary, I want to thank him for his service.  You have my sincere condolences.  In gratitude and respect...

I grew up in Cottage Grove across the street from the Woodards.  I remember vividly when Gary was applying for HPD.  He truly was excited and I know that he had the passion and commitment to see the job done well for all.  My prayers are with his family.  I know he’s in good company watching over us! 

My heart holds happy memories of Gary. He loved to play jokes on people. Sometimes the jokes created crazy screaming, people jumping, and so much laughter. Lynn and his children got the brunt of most jokes. I can remember firecrackers in the house, Lynn running around hysterically because he just wanted to share some kind of bug with her😁. You didn’t know what he would do next. 
I love all of ya. Our children had some precious years growing into teens. Lynn my dear friend I love ya. 
Hold tight to Gods hands 
Your friend,
Donna 

OBITUARY

Gary Leon Woodard, Sr.

October 4, 1951 – August 16, 2021

American Heritage Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Reception

Visitation

Celebration of Life

Committal Service