Donald Ernest Woodard

Donald Woodard was promoted to Heaven to be with his Savior on January 20, 2023. He was born November 8, 1937, in Lansing, MI, to the late Walter E. Woodard, Sr. and Dorothy (Landon) Woodard. Don wholeheartedly gave his life to Christ at age 12 and was bold in sharing his faith with relatives, friends and strangers so they too could know Jesus Christ as their Savior.  

For several years, Don worked for his dad at Woodard Electric in Midland MI. After graduating from high school in 1956, he joined the US Navy, serving on the USS Edisto, an Auxiliary Glacier Breaker. Following his term in the Navy, Don renewed a long-time acquaintance with Sharon Hoag, whom he met when he was seven years old. They married in 1963 and surrendered to full-time Christian service in 1971.  Don was licensed to preach by Calvary Baptist Church in 1975 and was later ordained. Their first ministry was in Fairview, MI, at Camp Barakel, a year around camp ministry where they served zealously for four years.  He resigned from staff to further his education and graduated from Bob Jones University’s Institute of Christian Service in SC, with a degree in Bible.

Following graduation, he and his wife Sharon moved to WY to serve as house parents to foster children at The King’s Ranch. Don counseled the boys and taught shop during the school year.  From 1997 to 2022, Don and his wife served at The Durham Rescue Mission, where Don served as maintenance director, Bible teacher and nouthetic counselor to male residents.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Kay Woodard; son, Brian Woodard (Rachel); daughter, Susan Felmet (John); daughter, Heather Salyer (Michael); son, Stephen Woodard (Erika); 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, brother, Walter C. Woodard Jr. and sister, Marilyn (Woodard) Dumont (David). He was proceeded in death by both his parents and sister, Nancy (Woodard) Adamets.

A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Friendship Baptist Church, 5510 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Fund at Friendship Baptist Church or The Durham Rescue Mission, in Don’s honor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Ernest Woodard, please visit our floral store.