JOHN “DAVID” WOODRUFF
John “David” Woodruff, 78, went to be with his Lord Saturday, April 10, 2021, after a long battle with ALS. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his closest family members. Family and anyone who knew him well are confident upon his arrival to his Eternal Home he asked, “Had much rain lately, how are the crops looking and where is the nearest Walmart?”
David was born in Dayton, Ohio to Malcolm E. and Wilma LaHue Woodruff on October 20, 1942. He married Beverly “Bev” Langston on June 18, 1982, in rural Fayette County.
Except for his military service he spent his entire life on the family farm in Preble County, Ohio, near College Corner, where he was a third-generation farmer. He was a 1960 graduate of Union High School in College Corner. As a life-time member of College Corner Presbyterian Church and a retired associate of Walmart, his presence in the community was strongly felt.
David was extremely proud of his military service. He enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1960 and served three years active duty followed by three years in the Navy Reserves. After completing Recruit training at the United States Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, he was assigned to serve on the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) based in San Diego, CA. During his service on the Coral Sea, he attained the rank of Machinist Mate Third Class and sailed around the world twice.
After his discharge from active-duty, David returned to the family farm and began what would become more than 57 years as a Woodruff third-generation farmer. He took great pride in farming and was recognized for being one of the first farmers in the area to practice and promote no-till and conservative tillage practices.
In addition to farming, David drove a local school bus for many years. He drove both a morning and afternoon route and for many extra-curricular activities. He is fondly remembered by many whom he “hauled on the bus.”
After he retired from bus driving, David decided he would get a job at Walmart in Oxford. He was one of the first people hired and began work before the newly constructed store opened for business. He worked at Walmart for more than 25 years. During that time, he developed many friendships with fellow associates. His work and the people there were an important part of his life.
When he was not toiling on the farm or at Walmart, the devoted family man spent his time attending tractor pulls, farms shows, watching Ohio State Football and making memories with his loved ones.
David was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents John E. and Martha Gilmore Woodruff and Rev. Roscoe and Gail Rebecca Davis LaHue and many others.
He is survived by his wife, sons, Mark Everett Woodruff of Lakengren in Preble County and David Ralph (Katie) Woodruff of College Corner; daughter Melissa Sue (Ronnie) Wright of Liberty, grandchildren Hunter, Bailey, Nathan, Tyler, Clayton and Gracelynn; sisters Diane (John) Scott of Hastings, Michigan. Barbara (Dick) Kenworthy of Liberty; Rebecca Harrison, of Elkhart, special cousin (unofficially adopted) sister Susan Woodruff Ballentine of Midland, VA; seven nieces and nephews including special niece, Kara Marie.
Visitation for David will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at College Corner Presbyterian Church, 112 State Line Street, College Corner, Ohio 45003. The funeral service will begin at 1 on Saturday at the church with Pastor Jeff Schrage officiating.
Urban Winkler Liberty funeral home is honored to be assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks consideration of making a memorial donation to one of the following:
The ALS Association, http://www.alsa.org/donate/giving/gifts-in-tribute.html; College Corner Presbyterian Church, 112 State Line Street, College Corner, Ohio 45003; or online at www.hospiceofcincinnati.org/memorials.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family with a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.