Weldon "John" "Woody" E. Woodall

Weldon Eugene aka “John” aka “Woody” Woodall passed away at Westminster of St. Augustine on September 30, 2019, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Weldon is survived by his wife, Betty Woodall; his son, Michael Woodall (Flo); grandchildren, Angie Walsh (Dan), Jon Woodall (Ashley), Alicia Kivlin (Mike), Brooke Woodall; great grandchildren, Aidan Walsh, Collins, Sadie and William Kivlin. He is also survived by sisters, Pat Abernathy and Darlene Davis and brothers, Ken and Billy Woodall.

He was born in White, GA, on January 15, 1932 to William Harry and Eunice Lee (Brown) Woodall; he was one of 12 children. He served 4 years in the Air Force, stationed in Japan and finishing his tour at Ft. Meade, MD. It was during his time in MD that John welcomed his only son, Michael Weldon, into the world. From there, he began his construction career as an estimator’s assistant, working his way up to become chief estimator for Charles F. Smith & Sons. Woody traveled to many foreign countries, applying his trade, before settling in Orlando, FL. It was there that John met the woman he would love for the remainder of his life, Betty. The recession in the 1970’s was the downfall of many companies and Charles F. Smith & Sons was one. Thus, was the beginning of John Woody, Inc., formed to complete unfinished work for Smith and others in 1979. His JWI legacy continues to this day with his son, grandson and grandson-in-law at the helm. Woody was a major innovator in different construction techniques still in use today. One of his crowning jewels was establishing Groundwater Control, Inc., in 1985. His development and perfecting of the underdrain dewatering technique is widely used throughout the southeastern United States, today.

Woody retired in 2004 and spent his remaining years traveling and living at World Golf Village with his wife, Betty. An avid reader, Woody can be remembered spending his time on the beach at Colony Reef, completing word search puzzles and spending time with friends and family. He was a legend in his field, a devoted friend and a loving father and grandfather. He will be missed by many, but all find comfort in knowing Woody is finally at peace.

Family and friends will celebrate Woody's life on Saturday, October 12th at 11 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please donate to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32257 or Alzheimer’s Association.