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Dr. Harry L. Woodall

January 18, 1930 — May 24, 2020

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Antioch Cemetery, Homer, LA

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Dr. Harry L. Woodall

HOMER, LA: On January 18, 1930, in Port Arthur, Texas, Harry Lee Woodall was born to Meredith Lee Woodall and Eula Mae Keene Woodall. He had two older sisters, Hilda Faye and Betty Jean. Harry was a lifelong Christian accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He was baptized in the Proctor Baptist Church, which he loved, and was a faithful member. He attended Texas A&M University and Lamar University for his pre-professional studies. He graduated from the Southern College of Optometry in 1955. After graduation he served as an Optometry Officer in the U.S. Army. His son Robert Brant Woodall was born in Fort Hood, Texas on February 7^th, 1956. In 1958, he and his family moved to Homer, Louisiana where he opened his Optometry Clinic on the square. His son, Gregory Alan Woodall was born October 8^th, 1959. While practicing Optometry and raising his sons, Harry also became very active in civic activities. He became a charter member of the Homer Jaycees, later serving as president. Harry was chosen as Homer's "Outstanding Man of the Year" in 1968. He was also presented the "Distinguished Service Award" for outstanding community service, interestingly presented to him by Dr. James Gladney. In 1969, Harry built The Eye and Vision Clinic at 621 North Main Street in Homer, LA. He was a charter member of the Homer Chamber of Commerce and served a term as their president. Serving as a member of the Claiborne Parish Industrial Board for many years, he was instrumental in helping to convince businesses to move to Homer. In 1988, he married Mary Thomas Wadsworth and joined the First Presbyterian Church and became very active serving several terms as an Elder. Harry always had a fine tenor voice and joined the Presbyterian choir. He was kidded about being a Presbyterian saying he was a "Baptist in his heart." His son, Dr. Gregory Alan Woodall joined him in his practice in 1984. Harry semi-retired in 2000. This allowed Mary and Harry to travel going every year to see plays in the London Theater District. They visited Scandinavia and took several Caribbean and European cruises. As he and Mary were both horse lovers, they decided to but two Tennessee Walking horses for pleasure riding. This passion grew and they began to attend Horse Shows with Darden Gladney. Harry was a natural equestrian and his mare, Fashion Cajun Lady, was a very natural showhorse, together they won a lot of first place blue ribbons. They bought a beautiful three year old Tennessee Walking Horse named Sundrop Country, "Sunny" was sent to Trainer, Wink Groover. Sunny was a fast learner and Wink was a great trainer. At his first National Celebration Sunny son two blue ribbons and was Reserve World Grand Champion. The next year, at the International with Harry riding, Sunny was the International Champion. The next year at The National Celebration Sunny won two more blue ribbons and was the The World Grand Champion. He was also selected "The Lite Shod Horse of the Year." Sunny had earned his retirement. With all their horses in retirement, Mary and Harry turned their eyes toward music and joined the Minden Community Chorus under the direction of Dr. Dan Gibbs. For the next nine years, loving the music and the costumes, they sang four concerts a year, including 'Foray into the 40's,' 'Showboat,' "Gospel on the Grounds' and even sang 'Savior' at the Strand in Shreveport to a sold out house. Harry was a skilled eye doctor who truly loved his patients, an excellent equestrian, told the funniest jokes, adored his many friends, was skilled in financial matters and so loved his family and Homer. He was gentle, honest and kind - Just an exceptional human being. Dr. Woodall is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. Left to remember him are his loving wife, Mary Thomas Woodall and children; Brant Woodall (Diane), Greg Woodall (Ginger), Elizabeth Renee Wadsworth, William Theodore Wadsworth, Jr. (Joanna). Harry has eight grandchildren and was waiting on his first great-grandchild arriving in September. The family would like to thank his doctors and caretakers who took such excellent care of Harry. Also, we would like to thank Claiborne Memorial Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Ford Museum or the First Presbyterian Church. Both are in Homer, Louisiana.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110

www.rose-neath.com

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