Visitation: Friday, December 12, 2025
Visitation Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Visitation Location: New Bethel AME Church
4201 W. Columbia Street
Orlando, Florida
Service Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Service Time: 2:00 PM
Service Location: The Word of God Church
1733 Mercy Drive
Orlando, Florida
Obituary:
Willie Jay Woodard, Sr., 91, of Ocoee, departed this life on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Willie, affectionately known as “Pillie”, was born on July 3, 1934 in Winter Garden, FL to the late Beaulah Mae and James Woodard. Willie was a veteran of the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1952. He was later employed with the Orange County Department of Corrections as a law enforcement officer.
Willie was a caring, trustworthy, kind hearted and respectable man. He always taught his children how to be strong and resilient. He was a hard worker and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Willie is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Narva H. Woodard and his children; 4 sisters, Rev. Dora Woodard-Richardson, Barbara (Robert) Stevenson, Mary (Willie) Barnes, Deloris Riggins; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives, co-workers and many friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 5-7PM at New Bethel AME Church, 4201 W. Columbia Street, Orlando. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2:00 PM at The Word of God Church, 1733 Mercy Drive, Orlando with Pastor Michael Doby, officiating. Interment: Woodlawn Memorial Park, Orlando with full military honors.
8 Comments
Uncle Pillie I don’t have words enough to say I’m gonna miss ya old timer. You are my last if the last of grandmas sons. The talks and lessons I’ve learned from you. Watching you and Uncle Artis all those years at the shop. You will be truly missed, one of the smartest black men I’ve known. I’m glad to know you’re truly at peace. Seeing you baptized was a blessings and you ran for God tell your last days. Love ya Unk you will forever have a truly special place in my heart, I love You Pop.
Pillie was a caring person who helped everyone when he had the little store. He loved the Lord n his church. Rest on sir… You will be definitely missed. Much love.
I going to miss Sgt Willie was a very good person words came not explain may God bless 🙏 ❤️ the family 🙏 ❤️ 💙
Dad,
This is one of the hardest things I have ever tried to put into words. My heart is aching, but I must understand that you are free of pain and suffering. I will miss our talks. I will miss feeling the warmth of your words or the humor of many of your responses. I will miss you passing on pearls of wisdom to me. You were and are my hero! I will miss telling you and hearing from you, “I love you.” I will miss having the love of both of my parents.
I am comforted by knowing that you received your heavenly reward by making it into the Kingdom. Endless days of fishing or tinkering with something is what I imagine for you. You were never much of a singer, but I know that you will be tapping your right hand on your knee and keeping the beat as you listen to a favorite hymn. Loving you then, now, always, and forever until we meet again. Sleep well, Papa.
Uncle Pillie,
I’ve been trying to wrap my head around you.leaving me here without you. When my dad passed in 2009 you told me you’d pick up where he left off and I’m grateful because you kept your word to me and did just that. I will miss you tremendously but i know my dad and uncle Harry were missing they’re big brother. You’re forever in my heart and i love you unconditionally. Until we meet again!!!!
Mr Pillie was a great person I always had the upmost respect for him
We will definitely miss talking to you daily. I am so sorry that you had to go through what you went through. God has given you his heavenly reward of eternal life. Brother, we love you.
To the Woodard family,
I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Mr Philly. As a child growing up in Britt’s Quarters, my mom(Leola Rawls) and Mr Philly were true friends and I always loved to see him and my mom share moments with plenty of laughter whenever he stopped by. When I got older and joined the U.S.Army I’d stop by the Silver Moon on my vacation days, even when I got out of the army after serving 6 yrs. Will never forget when he pulled me aside inside the building and gave me a stern talking about hanging out/around the wrong people and from that day forward I straightened up and flew right. Gonna miss our fishing days at John’s Lake canal and reminiscing about the good old days. There were days he’d stop by while I’m out there just to chat or see what my catches are.
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