David Lee Woodward

On Monday, September 15, 2025, David Lee Woodward of Signal Mountain, TN, left us to join his Savior, leaving behind a legacy as big as his personality. Dave, as he was known to all, lived a life full of grit and love. He was proudest of his family: his beautiful bride, Sandra O’Kelley Woodward, his own “Miss Auburn,” and their three daughters, Natalie, Kim, and Michelle. He was a man who filled the room with his presence and every heart with his humor and stories.

Born to Sam and Louise Woodward on April 6th, 1940, Dave grew up tough and talented, dominating the football field as an All-American at Cedartown High School. Recruited by Auburn legend Shug Jordan and coached by Vince Dooley, he played both ways for the Tigers from 1959 to 1961, his relentless endurance earning him the captain’s armband on the freshman team. His football card—still floating around on Amazon—reads, “He excelled on offense. His outstanding endurance and ability enabled him to play for long periods of time giving Auburn quality line depth.” Drafted into the NFL by the Steelers and traded to the Denver Broncos, he had a bright future, but Dave chose to leave football to return home to his growing family and help his father with his business, the Woodward–Acree Mining Company.

Dave and Sandra moved to Chattanooga to work for his father in law Jim O’Kelley, Sr. at Scholze Tannery, where he rose to become president and owner. Scholze Tannery enabled Chattanooga to become the largest saddle-producing city in the country. His knack for business took him to Argentina and Mexico, where he developed vegetable leather tanneries. His leather was used for some of the world’s finest racehorses, including Secretariat. He carried the rich scent of new leather wherever he went, like the cars he enjoyed driving. A born entrepreneur, Dave always had a venture brewing—whether launching the Sports Page Club, The Leather Factory, or joining friends in their business dreams. He was on the Board of Directors of the Tanners Council of America and Leather Industries of America and a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, the Rebel Chapter Forum, the Auburn Letterman Club, The Sports Barn, Signal Mountain Baptist Church (where he was a member for 63 years and where they raised their girls), and the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club, where he’d fine-tune his swing on the range (along with everyone else’s) with the same focus he brought to everything.

“Racquet,” as his grandkids affectionately called him, was a mountain of a man with a heart for the underdog. He had no patience for bullies and an endless supply of pride for his family. He rarely missed a grandchild’s or great-grandchild’s game, pride radiating from his broad smile. Occasionally he even showed up on the sideline, uninvited. He loved to spoil his own with steaks off his grill, insisting on the best meals for his family. Lucky for him, “San-San” is one of the South’s finest cooks and hostesses. He enjoyed spending time at High Hampton, Auburn, and Blue Mountain Beach.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra O’Kelley Woodward; their daughters, Natalie Woodward Huffaker (Rob) of Lookout Mountain, Kim Woodward Martin (Bryan) of Signal Mountain, and Michelle Woodward McBrayer (Mike) of Lookout Mountain; eight grandchildren, Kakhi Huffaker Wakefield (Michael), Tyler Huffaker Rowson (Geoff), Bobby Huffaker, Bryan Martin (Hannah), David Woodward Martin (Hope), MaryMadison McBrayer Dover (Logan), Kingsley McBrayer, and Everett Woodward McBrayer; nine great-grandchildren, Allie, Harper, Fletcher, and Eliza Wakefield, Ryan, Woodward, and Ford Rowson, Robert Huffaker, and Ruthie Martin, his brother-in-law James O’Kelley, Jr. (Jan) and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Dave’s memory with contributions to The Point at Signal, Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, Bible in the Schools, or a charity of your choice. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday September 22nd at 3:00 pm at the Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends before the service at 1:30 pm.

Dave Woodward wasn’t just larger than life—he lived it, loved it, and made it better for everyone around him.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com

Announcement by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.