Samuel Phillip Woodard Sr.

Samuel Phillip Woodard, Sr. was born October 12, 1945, in Yakima, Washington to Samuel Fred Jr. and Barbara Woodard. He was raised in Macon, Georgia with his three siblings, Anthony, Rosemary and Susan.

After attending Georgia Military College, Sam enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1962 to 1968. He was stationed in Germany, Korea and Vietnam.

On July 4, 1976, Sam exchanged wedding vows with Joyce Benner in Vancouver, Washington. The couple raised four children, Kevin, Keith, Angelette and Phillip. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Sam worked for the Railroad as a signalman for 25 years until his retirement.

Sam had many hobbies, but he especially enjoyed woodworking, gardening, watching old movies, reading his bible, playing video golf and spending time with his best friends, Michael Luce and Terry Dennison. Sam also liked football, and found great joy in watching his sons drag race.

Sam was a patriotic man. One of his favorite trips was a cross-country road trip on which he had an opportunity to visit national monuments.

Sam passed away March 30, 2018 in Vancouver, Washington. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 11 in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at noon. Military Honors will be rendered at 2:00 p.m., in Willamette National Cemetery. Sam is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; children, Kevin and Keith Melland and Angelette Johnson; grandchildren, Matthew, Wendy, Robbie, Rylin, Shannen, Karlee, Johnathan, Samantha, Michael and Deanna; and great-grandchildren, Faith, Korah, Lucille, Abigail and Persephone. Sam was preceded in death by his son, Samuel Phillip Woodard, Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Sam’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project.