Leon Johnnie (Joe) Woodall went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2019 with his wife, Debra, his daughters Sandra and Jakki, son Brandy, sister Tissy and Niece Leilani by his side. Joe was born in San Jose, California on October 15, 1941. He was the youngest of 9 children born to Alvie Benjamin and Johnnie Lee (Cannon) Woodall. He grew up in San Jose, California with his 4 brothers and 4 sisters along with several cousins, nieces and nephews who were also raised by his parents.
He first married Jennie Castillo with whom he had 3 daughters and a son.
After they divorced he lived and worked around the San Jose and Fresno area as a truck driver, fence builder, machinist and roofer among other things.
His greatest joy was his music. He loved to play his guitar and sing. He was gifted with one of the most beautiful voices and everyone who heard him was mesmerized and never forgot him. He was also a talented craftsman. He could create just about anything out of random scraps of materials and made numerous gifts and furniture for his family and friends.
On a visit to Grants Pass to visit his daughter in the late 80's he met the love of his life, Debra. He moved to Grants Pass in January 1988 to be with her and help raise her daughter and son, they married on July 10, 1999 in Selma, Oregon.
He worked as a machinist at ECS briefly and then they bought an 18 wheeler and ran a trucking business with his son. He continued to drive trucks until health issues forced him to retire. He was well known and loved as a musician forming his band, Joe's Gang, and playing and singing at various venues in the Merlin and Grants Pass areas and for friends and family. He was also a member of Rogue River Connection and played for the Senior Citizen Dances in Rogue River. He once won 2nd place in a Country Music contest sponsered by a local radio station. His grandchildren were his other great joy in life, they followed him around and were always at his side. They all have great memories of singing with their Papa and Grama.
He is survived by his wife Debra, daughters Sandra & Jakki Woodall and Brandi Bushnell, sons Brandy Woodall, Kurtis Bushnell and Christopher Phillips, granddaughters Kristina (Mark), Shanna, Melyssa, Kendralee, Aaryn and Kaliyah, grandsons David John, Brandon (Rachael), Travis, Tristan and Chaz, 2 great granddaughters, 10 great grandsons, a great granddaughter and great great grandson due in April, sisters Tissie and Cleo Woodall, his best friend David Williams, his constant companion - his chihuahua Batty and many nephews, nieces, family and friends who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter Kandi, brothers Benny, Neil, Dale and Ocie, and sisters Irene, Mary and Sissy. A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 9th, 2019 at Jubilation Fellowship. Chapel of the Valley was in charge of his final arrangements.
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