John Alvin Woodruff

Alvin would have soon celebrated his 91st birthday. Today, we memorialize a celebration of his life.

Born July 14th, 1932 to Joseph Lafayette & Sarah Francis Manassie (McPherson) Woodruff; the youngest of their eleven children — eight brothers and two sisters.

His siblings included: Terry (Daisy Mae) Woodruff, Olin (Pearl) Woodruff, Jesse Leroy Woodruff, Joseph Herman (Mary Ruth) Woodruff, Baulah (James) Post, James "J.D." (Eva) Woodruff, David Allen Woodruff, William Ernest (Nowata "Wato") Woodruff, Lawrence "Woody" (Ollie) Woodruff and Alta Mae Ames.

Alvin called Marietta home for over 60 years, where he was a member of Roswell Street Baptist Church and the Y-Knot Square Dance Club.

Alvin married first Elise Kathryn “Kathy” (Neese) in 1951, with Ricky Alvin “Rick” arriving in 1953 and Cheryl Dee “Cherry” in 1959.

Alvin married second Helen Marian (Wise) in 1968. Helen, widow of John Studstill, brought two children to their now blended family — Jan Marie, born 1955, and Alan Jeffery, 1956. This union allowed Alvin the opportunity to set an enduring example for his bonus children and grandchildren on how to welcome and love each as his own.

A man devoted to his faith, his family, his community, his music, his carpentry — Alvin lived a life of service. Following his retirement from Cobb County Fire Department, Alvin & Helen relocated to White in 1996.

Not one to sit idle, he embraced his farming & woodworking talents. He trained his horses to work the fields to feed others, crafted innumerable works for his family & friends.

Alvin’s joy for life was as true as it was infectious. A “hey there, darlin” greeted his callers. He’d sing a tune until he could strum on his guitar, and maybe even dance you a jig. You were about equally likely to find him headed to a body of water, fishing gear in tow, as you were to find him in his wood shop, building one of his signature wagons.

Knowing Alvin was to also know he loved the Lord. He awoke each morning, thanking Him for opening his eyes another day, and praying he’d be taken “in a blink” when it was his time.

We find solace his prayers were answered, and that he was welcomed by his many loved ones. Preceding in death were his parents & 10 siblings; beloved wife of 42 years, Helen; stepchildren Jan & Alan; mother of his children, Kathryn.

Survivors include his two children, Ricky (Janet) Woodruff & Cheryl (Dean) Robinson; his nine grandchildren, Ginger (Joey) Sharpe, James Walsh, Alex Jennifer "A.J." (Josh) Moore, Keith (Jennifer) Woodruff, Cynthia (Aaron Tonkin) Phillips, Elizabeth (Mike) Stern, Michelle (Rick) Moore, Jessica (Mike) Hudson & Austyn Robinson; the nine who — as he was quick to remind you — made him great: Keegan, McKenna, Jackson, Maddie, Marlee, Michael, Saiya, Beric & Peyton. Also surviving: numerous nieces & nephews; his grandchildren’s parents Mary Woodruff Costner, Richard Walsh & Tim Phillips; his firefighting brothers; his dear friends & neighbors. All of whom deeply loved Alvin.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, June 17th, at Georgia Memorial Park Cemetery, led by his nephew, Rev. James “Jimmy” Post.