William Wesley Woodall

On February 22, 2023, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, William "Bill" Woodall passed away in his home at age 97. Bill was born October 18, 1925 in Gladys, VA to Francis Calvin and Hattie (Morris) Woodall. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 50 years, Irene (Burton) Woodall, and his daughter and son-in-law, Joan Woodall Reaves and William "Dudley" Reaves, Jr.. Bill is survived by his daughters, Shirley Roark and Jay Woodall, grandchildren, David Roark, Jennie Reaves, Wesley Reaves, and Sharon Roark, and great grandchildren, Destiny Roark, Cassie Edwards, Caleb Edwards, and Caleigh Jo Edwards. He was a World War II Navy veteran having served on a crash boat in Panama during the war. "Guns" was fond of sharing wild stories of his time in the Navy and was proud of his service to our country. Bill was an experienced truck driver and master craftsman. His stories of driving across the United States and Canada were peppered with amusing anecdotes and great recommendations for diners he'd visited. As a young man, Bill built his own hotrod and raced his Pepto-pink Pontiac every chance he could get. His love of racing extended to his late in life Nascar watching habits. As a master craftsman, Bill created many pieces of furniture. He is well known for his high quality porch swings and was known as "The Swing Man'' every time he went to purchase more wood screws for his latest projects. Bill built his own cabin where he could have parties with his friends, play cards in peace, and enjoy watching the deer near the creek. At age 90, Mr. Bill, as he was known to family and friends, built his own greenhouse. While Bill was proud of every project he had completed, he was most proud of the over 10,000 wooden toys he voluntarily crafted for children at the hospital. Bill was the last remaining founding member of the Gladys Volunteer Fire Department. Serving his community was important to him and he continued his service as a member of the Long Island Ruritan Club. Bill was a longtime member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Bill was a cruciverbalist and never met a crossword puzzle he didn't like. In addition to solving crossword puzzles, he also liked to play card games, complete jigsaw puzzles, and read the latest Popular Mechanics and woodworking magazines. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Gladys by Pastors Jacob Warren and Jamie Adams with military honors by American Legion Altavista Memorial Post 36 and Gretna Post 232. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m., Friday at Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Gladys.

William Wesley Woodall

October 18, 1925 - February 22, 2023