July 31, 2024, 83, Goldsboro —
Richard Woodard, 83, of Goldsboro was born June 10, 1941, and went to heaven July 31, 2024, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. He married his high school sweetheart, Jane Howell Woodard, graduated from Pikeville High School in 1959, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served six years of active duty in Company-D 3rd Platoon and two years of inactive duty with the National Guard Reserve Medical Battalion.
Richard owned and managed K & W Aviation at the Wayne County Municipal Airport and then founded Metalcraft and Mechanical Services in 1981. He worked there until May of this year. It continues to be a family-owned and operated business through his son, Warren Woodard.
Richard had many professional accomplishments with a mechanical mind where there was rarely a problem he could not solve. He had a propensity for service and would offer a helping hand to those in need. By remaining faithful and grounded in his relationship with Jesus, his spiritual and physical legacy continues to grow. More than 20 individuals (children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) can trace back their various favorable qualities and relationship with the Lord to him as the direct influence. Hard work, kindness, perseverance, and a sense of humor are a few of his traits that will continue to live on through his loved ones.
Richard Woodard is survived by his loving wife, Jane Woodard, of 64 years; their three children, Warren Woodard, Angela Kirkland, and Christy Kelly, and their respective spouses, Melodie Woodard, Randy Kirkland, and Keith Kelly; nine grandchildren, Joshua Passerello, Trae Woodard (Faith), Katlyn Wilson (Evan), Coeltryn Kirkland (Lane), Keaton Kirkland, Addison Kirkland, Rhett Kirkland, Tanner Kelly (Olivia), and Leyton Kelly; two great-grandchildren, Easton Wilson, and Brooks Woodard; two sisters, Gay Cerny and Jeanine Parrott and husband, Joseph; and special relatives and their spouses, Leigh Ann Croom, Jerry and Phyllis Kirby, Kim and John Nicholson, and J.H. and Rebecca Phaup.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Aline and John Woodard, and brother-in-law, Pete Cerny.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at The First Church, Goldsboro followed by a service to celebrate Richard’s life at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Interment will be in Pikeville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First Church, 1100 The First Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
