Leon L. Woodward
January 3, 1936 – August 20, 2020
Leon L. Woodward, 84, of Cairo, GA passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2020, at Pinewood Rehab in Whigham, GA. Local services will be conducted Tuesday, August 25, at the Clark Funeral Chapel, Cairo by Pastor Jeff Ezell of Long Branch Baptist Church. Final burial services and interment will be in the National American Military Cemetery, Tallahassee, FL.
Leon Woodward was born in Machias, Washington County, ME, a true “Down Easterner,” and attended Jonesport High School, Jonesport, ME where he excelled, both academically and in sports, mainly basketball. After graduation in 1954 he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF). He then was assigned to Palm Beach Air Force Base (PBAFB), West Palm Beach, FL where he met, and subsequently married, the love of his life, Zelda Frances Morris. That wedding was on July 21, 1957, after Frances’s graduation from Palm Beach High School at age 16. The two of them celebrated 63 years of a happy marriage about a month ago.
Decidedly a “Union” man, Leon became employed by RCA Electronic Computer Manufacturing Company/ Firm of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and was a card-toting member of Local No. 1323, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), where he was a Quality Control Inspector/Supervisor at the RCA plant. After Leon’s employment with RCA ended, he worked in Quality Control (QC) for several small manufacturers; notably, Thor Electronics among them. He also worked in the Security Division/ Section with the 5-Star Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, FL for several rewarding years.
After living in the The Acreage for many years, Leon and family decided to move to Cairo, GA. The wonderful/beautiful state of Georgia had been “home” to Frances’s ancestors/family, on both sides, for several generations.
Leon is survived by his wife, Zelda Frances, and by two sons: Leon L. (Buddy) Woodward, Jr. and Walter James Woodward, both retired, and both of whom reside in Cairo, GA at the family residence. Leon also “counts” as his “survivor” his sister-in-law, Linda Sue Hargraves, because she has been “been there for him” and so close, so supportive of him and his family throughout their lifetime. Leon’s brother-in-law, Richard F. (Buddy) Morris, Jr. also figures in this same equation. Likewise, the same goes true for another brother-in-law, Walter E. Morris, who pre-deceased Leon in death approximately four years ago.
As to religious/church affiliation, Leon, along with several other men, was ordained as a Deacon by/at Long Branch Baptist Church on October 11, 2005. Leon loved, and was loved by, many at Long Branch. He was a formidable authority on The Bible. Leon lived a simple though happy life; he loved his family to the nth degree; he lived and loved to serve his God; Bible precepts were foremost in his actions. He was an avid reader and studied The Holy Bible “religiously.”
Leon is “Home” now; whole in body, and mind, and spirit—worshiping God and singing with the Angels. We know you are with Jesus now, Leon. Praises! Praises!
