Ronnie Woodard

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Ronnie "Ron" Lewis Woodard, 53, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville. 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 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, Florida. He was also known as co-captain to the Coffee Commandos Men's Small Group that met at the Pour Coffee Shop in Panama City Beach. 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 public address announcer for several sports teams at Montgomery County High School in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, and North Bay Haven High School in Panama City, Florida. 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, which was 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 is survived by his loving wife, Tammy; daughters, Staci Woodard and Macy (Cody) Sowell; stepdaughters loved like his own, Courtney Conyers, Tori (Jordan) Patrick and Caitlin (Joe) Grammel; two grandsons, Jackson and Paxton; parents, Ronald and Glenda Woodard; sisters, Teresa (Bradley) Aufdenberg and 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 fought the good fight, Ron finished the race, Ron kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

His family invites friends, family and anyone wishing to celebrate the life of Ronnie Lewis Woodard to join them between 3 and 7 p.m. March 12 in the Lewis and Clark Room of the Cape Girardeau Drury Plaza, 3351 Percy Drive. Per Ron's wishes, the family will hold a celebration of life ceremony instead of a traditional funeral.