of Helena, AR

September 29, 1929 - November 14, 2021

William Howard Woodyard, Sr., 92, passed away Sunday, November 14, 2021 in Helena, AR. He was
born September 29, 1929 to Humphrey Marshall (H.M.) and Fannie Mae Smith Woodyard.
Howard will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, loved by all who knew him as he never saw
colors, only people. Howard had extended his home & grocery to include anyone in need.
Howard's humble nature and sense of humor had the nurses at Helena Hospital laughing on the day
of his death with his gruff but sweet ways. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in
Helena.

Born in Jackson, MS, Howard moved to Helena in the 9th grade when his father was appointed
maintenance engineer at the Helena Cottonseed Oil plant. Howard finished high school in Wilson,
AR where he was coached by Roy L. Stobaugh and mentored by his older brother Marshall. But
love brought him back to Helena where he married Catherine Papa Woodyard. They prospered in
the vibrant Helena community of the times. Howard was often seen in the company of his brothers
and sisters whom he loved dearly.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine; his parents; twelve siblings; many sisters/brothers-in-laws; and several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his three sons, Howard Jr (Betsy) of Little Rock, Tom (Patty) of Fort Myers, FL, and Steve (Karen) of Memphis; six grandchildren, Catherine Moring (Rance), Patrick Woodyard (Sally Ward), Anna Woodyard, Worth Woodyard, Grayson Woodyard, and Cooper Huff; three great-grandchildren, Anna Campbell, Rowan Woodyard, and Ollie Moring; brother-in-law, Tom (Gayle) Papa; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services for Mr. William Howard Woodyard, Sr. will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Helena at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 19, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Cemetery
Fund, 23 Columbia, Helena, AR 72342.

Services are directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)-572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com