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.
Sign Guestbook
10 Condolence(s)
Richard and Susan Kirk
Saturday, November 20, 2021
You are in our prayers. I know God is with you as you say farewell till you meet again. All our love to you all.
Charles Rosario Maggio, Jr. & Family
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Sorry for your loss, Steven, Tommy, Howard & Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
paula Downs
Friday, November 19, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear of uncle Howard passing I was truly blessed to have know this wonderful man he is truly a legend. Gone but not forgotten
Allison Harcourt-Montgomery and Rich Montgomery
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Howard, Steve and Tommy, sending love, peace and prayers to you all.
Lots of love, Allison and Rich
Michelle Short
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Howard - We are so sorry to learn about the loss of your father. Sending Deepest Condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. From your friends at SHP
Ann Ray Duncan
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
R I P Mr Howard..
Warren McGrew
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Howard’s passing. He was a very kind man and I have many fond memories of him. My condolences to the family.
Warren McGrew
Tammie King
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Tommy,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim mayer
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Howard was a special friend to all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers Jim Mayer
Lynette (Burt) Murphy
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
I am so sorry to see the loss of Mr. Howard. He was always so kind and funny. You are each in my thoughts and prayers.