Billy James Woodard

Billy James Woodard passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at his home. He has gone to be reunited with the love of his life, his wife of 69 years, Doris Holley Woodard. 

A funeral service for Billy James Woodard, 98, of Calhoun, Ga., formerly of Oneonta and Columbus, Ga., was held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at K.L. Brown Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Ala., with Dr. Derek Staples officiating.  Burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.  The family received friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Zula and Otto Woodard; brothers Roland and Wade; and sister Reba Hannigan. Mr. Woodard was a Blount County native and a graduate of Woodlawn High School in Birmingham.

He is survived by his children, Debbie Woodard Ballew (C.B.),  Billy J. Woodard, Jr. (Lora), and Michael A. Woodard (Pam); six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Woodard served his country in the United States Army. Command Sergeant Major Billy J. Woodard’s distinguished career spanned 25 years and included tours in France, Korea, and Vietnam. He was deeply loved by all who met him. He will be missed by his family and many very close friends. He is remembered for his generosity, pride in his family, love for his friends, and his gregarious and mischievous nature. He loved gardening, hunting, beach vacations, and spending time with his family. Above all his interests and values, he was a loyal friend and devoted family man.