Louis was born in Kinston, North Carolina to the late Rufus and Effie Woodard. One of seven children, he spent his childhood in the Kinston area and later attended Campbell University, Wake Forest University, and Duke University where he earned a bachelor of divinity degree. A life-long learner, Louis also earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Theological Seminary. A retired minister, he served with distinction the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church for over 50 years.
Louis was an avid sports fan and ardent supporter of the Duke Blue Devils. He was also a biblical scholar who found comfort in the study of scripture and religious texts. A wry sense of humor belied Louis’s introspective nature, and one of his greatest joys was preaching the gospel. In addition, Louis nurtured his physical health as enthusiastically as his spiritual health and enjoyed vigorous walks, treadmill runs and lifting weights.
zaq sons, Mark (Sharon) Woodard and David (Debbie) Woodard; grandsons, Josh Woodard, Gavin Woodard, and Owen Woodard; and sisters, Alice English and Linda (Steve) Wright.
A celebration of Louis’s life will be held on Saturday, July 13th at 2pm at Clemmons United Methodist Church, 3700 Clemmons Rd, with Dr. Matthew Burton and Rev. Paula Northrup officiating. There will be a gathering of family and friends immediately following the service at Bermuda Village Retirement Community, Bermuda Run, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association.
