Terry Woodruff passed away Friday morning, June 18th, at home with his wife and son by his side following his battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother Frances, father Gwyn, and brother Tom. He is survived by his loving family: wife Adale, son Andrew, daughter-in-law Jennifer, granddaughter Olivia, sisters Deborah and Hazel, brother Don, and countless friends abound both at home in Newland, NC and at his home away from home, Floyd, VA.
For those of you lucky enough to know Dad (or Poppy as Olivia called him), you knew him to be a kind, dependable man with a servant’s heart. Whether in service at the various non-profits he has worked for professionally such as Energy Exchange and Habitat for Humanity or volunteering for Feeding Avery Families, the Floyd Initiative for Sustainable Housing, or Plenty Food Bank, Dad was proud to display Christ-like service for others.
Always a family man, Poppy was a loving husband, eager to dote on his wife of 42 years (their anniversary was Wednesday). Ever since she complemented him on his boots, their relationship has bloomed from puppy love to a lifetime of dedication. He was an amazing father, always ready to fall in beside me and help with any project large or small. The good times I have had with my father are too numerous to count (and the bad too few to recall) but I will never forget working beside him working on his home and my own. Some would be loathe to work with family but I cherished the opportunities and was always eager to learn. The knowledge on tap was immense and varied, from botany, mechanics, carpentry, management, cooking, etc. the list goes on. Speaking of cooking, he shared a special bond with Jennifer, sharing new recipes or passing on old ones. Never a belly left empty with those two in the kitchen. I also never quite understood why Dad would call her to check on me and Olivia but that was his way of showing he cared. On the subject of care, Dad was charged at an early age to watch over his sister Deborah and by extension her two boys Charlie and Chad. Dad always thought this was his duty and privilege and never took it lightly. Watching his nephews grow from young boys into men he always sought to provide them with knowledge and insight. I speak for Charlie and Chad when I say that we will never forget our trip to the Outer Banks last year. Don, Tracy, Hazel & company all know the love and respect my father had for you. Your presence in these last few months had a tremendous impact on his outlook and we are eternally grateful.
For the dear friends and family who have been near during this difficult time we cannot thank you enough. Lear, Kathie, Lisa, Bill, Madge, Michael, Bryon, Larry; we love you all dearly.
To Dr. Ron and the membership of Oak Grove, thank you for mowing, the visits, and food. You have been a blessing to my parents in this time of need.
To Sojourn Floyd thank you for the love and concern for not only Terry and Adale, but my family as well.
To Medi Home Hospice: Words cannot express our gratitude for the incredible work your team does.
Last but certainly not least is the beautiful relationship that Dad cherished with his granddaughter Olivia. Their bond was something special and they were nigh inseparable. I am not sure which of them enjoyed spending that time together more.
In what little “free” time that Dad had he loved listening to live music. Especially his favorites, Acoustic Syndicate and Sam Bush. Though we never did make it to Floydfest, he and Mom attended plenty of shows & festivals. He even convinced me to go to a show or two.
Ever since Eric McGee introduced him to surf fishing, Dad has been going to Hatteras most every fall, (this past one included) to try and get a fish or two in the cooler.
To list Dad’s professional endeavors will take some doing. I never knew another person that knew so much about so many different things and was involved in so many different arenas. Many of which he left to do something different only to return later in some capacity. You name it, Dad has either done it or knew something about how to do it. Here are a few of the titles he held: delivery driver, manager, owner operator, carpenter, executive director, postal worker, sales.
Instead of a formal memorial service, Dad wished to be cremated then have his ashes spread at the Outer Banks.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following organizations: Medi Home Hospice – Newland NC, Plenty Food Bank – Floyd VA, Feeding Avery Families – Newland NC. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
