Ronnie Woodard

Ronnie Lewis Woodard

July 31, 1968 – February 16, 2022

Ronnie (Ron) Lewis Woodard, age 53, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2022 at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. Ron entered the gates of Heaven after battling many illnesses. His greatest testimony was his optimism, strength, and faith through his many years of suffering.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Tammy; daughters, Staci Woodard, Macy (Cody) Sowell; stepdaughters loved like his own, Courtney Conyers, Tori (Jordan) Patrick, Caitlin (Joe) Grammel; two grandsons (Jackson and Paxton); parents, Ronald and Glenda Woodard; sisters, Teresa (Bradley) Aufdenberg, Tonya (David) Henderson; brother, Randy (Michelle) Woodard; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved fur babies Sam, Teddy, and Ally.

Ron will always be known for the lasting impact he made on everyone he met. First and foremost, he was a man of strong faith who loved and served the Lord. He was faithful, joyful, loyal, genuine, kind, selfless, loving, hardworking, resilient, hilarious. Ron was a protector and encourager who loved his family and friends deeply. Ron never met a stranger and was described as a safe haven for many.

Ron spent much of his life serving others. He served in many roles in the Church including children’s pastor, small group leader, and worship team. Most recently, Ron played drums in the worship band for Worship on the Water at Woodlawn Church in Panama City Beach, FL. He was also known as co-captain to the Coffee Commandos Men’s Small Group that met at the Pour Coffee Shop in PCB. He will be remembered for his love of coffee and fellowship.

Ron was very active in athletics from volunteering as softball coach for his daughter, Staci, to serving as the PA announcer for several sports teams at Montgomery County High School (Mt. Sterling, KY) and North Bay Haven High School (Panama City, FL). Ron impacted the lives of players, coaches, and spectators with his voice, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in them. Ron’s love for sports was also evident in his passion for the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and Florida Gators sports teams.

Ron attended Advance High School in Advance, Missouri and graduated with the class of 1986. He spent much of his teenage years working at Woodard’s Restaurant (owned by his parents). He went on to a career in the restaurant industry where he served in general manager and area director roles for Applebee’s and Sonny’s BBQ. He won national awards for his service to Applebee’s and helped develop their employee training program.

Ron was a talented musician and writer. He was a drummer for the band, Witness. He wrote and sold songs later sung by Jaci Velasquez (“We Can Make a Difference”) and Degarmo & Key (“Rock Solid”). He also helped write the song “Midnight Cry” made popular by Gold City. He was even nominated for a Christian Dove Award.

Ron fought the good fight, Ron finished the race, Ron kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)