Woodruff "Woody" Oliphant Jr.

Woodruff Asbury Oliphant Jr. (Woody), 69, went home to be with Jesus February 16, 2011. He is now reunited with his namesake and beloved son, Trey, who preceded him in death in 1993. Woody grew up in Chattanooga as the only son of Woodruff Asbury Oliphant Sr. and Ruth B. Oliphant. He moved to Memphis in 1964 to attend pharmacy school. Here, he met and married his only true love, Sherry Clayton Oliphant, his wife of 43 years. Woody devoted his entire life to caring for his wife, his three children, and most recently his two precious granddaughters. For 19 years, he faithfully ran his own pharmacy, Woody’s Discount Drugs, in Germantown, TN where he served countless people with kindness, humor, and selfless generosity. His loyal character, love for others, and unsurpassed work ethic continued at Rite Aid of Germantown where he worked as head pharmacist for the past 15 years. Woody proudly served his Lord as a member of Hope Presbyterian Church. Every month, he and Sherry stood by Hope’s sanctuary door and welcomed people by passing out church bulletins. Woody’s deep love for animals was evident his entire life. From rescuing stray dogs and returning them to their owners, to stopping on the highway to save stranded turtles, to meticulously feeding his backyard squirrels and hummingbirds, Woody exuded mercy for all of God’s creatures. He dearly loved his three dogs and took them on family vacations every year. One of Woody’s favorite places in the world was his condo in Florida. He called it his “home away from home”. He loved nothing more than reading a book on the porch with Sherry, enjoying a cold beverage, and soaking up the sun. Woody dearly loved his two granddaughters, Emily and Annabelle. They brought immense joy into his life. He was so happy when he took them to the beach or built elaborate block cities on the floor or snuggled them in his favorite chair. He called them “the chosen ones”. Woody was a man of extreme honor, valor, unmatched wit, and integrity. He lived his entire life providing for his family, picking them up when they fell down, and showing kindness and mercy to everyone around him. He left behind his beloved wife, Sherry Clayton Oliphant, daughter, Kelly Oliphant Wise, son, James Landrum Oliphant, granddaughters, Emily and Annabelle Wise, and so many others who loved him. To say that our Woody, our Papa, will be missed is nothing short of inadequate. We place our faith in the certainty that we will see him in Glory and praise Jesus for the blessing of his earthly life. The celebration of his life will be held at Hope Presbyterian Church February 21, 2011 at 12:00 pm. Visitation begins at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be sent to Hope’s Global Mission Fund.