Wesley Ray Woodard

Wesley Ray Woodard, 51 of Bodcaw, Arkansas was a precious gift born to Joan and Ray Woodard on September 4, 1963. He left this world on March 17, 2015. Wesley was a graduate from Henderson State University and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. His professional life was marked by service, protection, and quality of life improvement. Wesley proudly served his country, through firefighting, with the US Air Force. He enriched the lives of many residents (which he loved and respected) during his career at Pinehope Nursing Home. Through the Arkansas Work Force Center, he provided assistance with unemployment benefits and job training to numerous people. Most recently, with the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation, he facilitated the economic growth and improvement of this entire region by providing assistance to new and existing businesses through grant writing, job creation, employee training, and more. Wesley's personal life was marked by the same qualities. He lived and loved fully. Lumberjacking and farming were activities Wesley felt passionately about. He loved his country and this area was the only place he ever wanted to live. He enriched the lives of his family and friends in too many ways to list and will be missed greatly. Wesley is survived by a beloved son, Cade Woodard; parents Joan and Ray Woodard; brother, Tony Woodard; sister in law, Donna Woodard, and nephew, Coltin Woodard. He is also survived by life partner, Kerrie Langston and an entire family who claimed him as their own including; James and Debbie May, Loretta and Scott Baker, Mariann and Jacque Faulkner, Brittany and Evan Hartness, Tuck Thompson, Ruby Ayres, Lane Faulkner, Tiffany Baker, Aiden Hartness, and his special boys Matthew Langston and Wade May. He was preceded in death by his other beloved son Coby Woodard, grandfather "Pistol Pete" Woodard; grandmother, Gladys Woodard; and grandfather, Wesley Gottfried and grandmother, Mary Gottfried, and "uncle" Ronnie Thompson. A memorial service will be held at Herndon-Pharr Funeral Home on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 3 p.m. in the chapel. The family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the UACCH Foundation Fund, your local church or favorite charity in memory of Wesley and the many contributions he made to this area.