Jerry Woodard

Jerry Lee Woodard, 70, was suddenly called home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of April 19, 2016. He was born at home February 28, 1946 to Gracie Emily Cox Woodard and Wiley Lee Woodard. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 21 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia, Louisiana. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 22, at Mt. Mariah United Methodist Church and burial will follow at Mt. Mariah Cemetery. Officiating will be Jerry's pastor, Rev. Perry Anderson. Pallbearers will be Clay Bond, Paul Cook, Donnie Bellew, J.D. Burnham, Byron Johnson, John Hood, Gabe Hogan, and Brian Spurlock. Honorary pallbearers are Roderick Cook, Charles Andrews, Robert Bond, John A. Bridges, Scott Bridges, and Mack Waits. His early years were spent in the Alabama community north of Arcadia. After graduation from Arcadia High School in 1964, he worked briefly for the Engineering Division of the Louisiana Department of Highways during the construction of Interstate 20 across north Louisiana. Duty called in 1966, and Jerry served proudly in the United States Army for 2 years during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home from military service, his career continued with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development until his retirement in 1996. On November 27, 1971, a new chapter began when Jerry and Marcia Burnham were married at Mt. Mariah United Methodist Church. Jerry became a loyal member of Mt. Mariah and served the Lord there faithfully. Giving in nature, Jerry was someone that his family and all his friends and neighbors in the church and community could look to for care and support. Before Jerry and Marcia built their own poultry farm in 1996, Jerry raised chickens for Mrs. Johnnye Bridges for many years. The two shared such a special relationship and now worship the Father together side-by-side. Everyone who knew Jerry can share a story of his thoughtful, helpful, and sometimes inventive ways of taking care of most any situation. Compassionate, loyal, and hard-working, Jerry can best be described as having a servant's heart and daily walking with his Savior, exercising his faith in God, and demonstrating, quietly and humbly, to all of us the fruits of the Spirit. Jerry found joy in the simple things. He and Marcia loved to take early-morning coffee rides, evening drives, and just enjoy being in each other's company. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to watch his grandchildren do anything, from ball games, to dance performances, to school programs, and special church moments. Jerry leaves behind a host of family and friends. Those most dear to him are his wife of 44 years, Marcia Burnham Woodard; daughter, Jennifer Johnson and husband, Clay, of Arcadia, Louisiana; son, Matthew Woodard, and wife, Garson, of Ruston, Louisiana. Six grandchildren mourn the loss of a very special Pappaw: Chelsea, Corbin, and Anna Grace Johnson; Trigger, Campbell, and Larkin Woodard. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Clarine Woodard; niece, Robin Stewart; and nephew, Johnny Woodard. Jerry is predeceased in death by his parents, his brothers Levone and Frederick Woodard, and sister-in-law Jean Woodard. Memorials may be made to Mt. Mariah United Methodist Church in care of Nancy Bond at 275 Mask Road, Athens, Louisiana 71003.