Submitted by: John C. Monk

William E. Woodruff Sr.

June 14, 1932 - Dec. 30, 2009
MISHAWAKA - William E. "Bill" Woodruff Sr., 77, graduated to Heaven at 1:20 pm December 30, 2009 in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. He was born June 14, 1932 in Mishawaka to the late Charles and Edith. Bill was also preceded in death by six brothers, two sisters and a grandson Kenneth Lynn Woodruff. On February 21, 1955, while in the Navy, he married his childhood friend who became his bride of nearly fifty-five years, Beverly Jane (Graves) Woodruff who survives him. He is also survived by two sons, William (Norma) Woodruff Jr., and Ronald (Bobbi) Woodruff; four grandchildren William (Amanda) Woodruff III, Patrick Woodruff, Brandon (Lacee) Woodruff and Katie Woodruff; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Isabella, Olivia, Addison, Benjamen and Austin; a special sister-in-law Bernice Woodruff; many nieces, nephews and loved ones; and his tireless sidekick Tobey. Bill was a US Navy veteran, retiring as a Petty Officer Second Class serving from 1951-1955, during the Korean Conflict. He was proud of his ship, the light cruiser U.S.S. Worcester on which he served in damage control. Bill was a member of the Ireland Road Church of God in Mishawaka and was active in telling others about his faith. He was an enthusiastic fisherman, gardener and friend to all. There were no strangers to him and his legacy of lives impacted is as immeasurable as the combined weight of all those fish that got away. Funeral services will be held at Bubb Funeral Chapel on Monday January 4, 2010 at 10 am with Rev. J. Mark Muncy officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday from 2-6 pm. For family and friends who are unable to attend the funeral, condolences may be made to Bubbfuneralchapel.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on January 2, 2010