Pennell C. Woodard

Auburn- The family and many friends of Pennell “Penny” Woodard, 81, mourn his loss as he passed away Wednesday, November 2 at his home on Birch Rd. in Auburn. However the family is grateful that his suffering with the horrible disease of cancer is over. He was born in Lewiston on December 29, 1934, to the late Linwood Pennell and Marjorie (Small) Woodard. Penny graduated from Edward Little High School where he was an outstanding four-letter athlete, after which he went on to play football at MCI and Florida State U. He returned home to marry his high-school sweetheart and love of his life, Carol (Stevens) Woodard on May 10, 1958, and spent 58 wonderful years together. He also proudly served his country in the US Coast Guard in the early years of his married life.

Penny created his own unique brand throughout his lifetime, without the aid of social media, but by his actions, his incredible love for his family and friends, his faith, and his innumerable generous contributions to the community. He gave years of valuable service at the highest levels to the YMCA, Auburn School System, Masonic Lodge, Shrine, Little League, Auburn Business Association, CMMC, Court Street Baptist Church, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, Odd Fellows, Auburn Sports Association, Auburn Grandstand Club, United Commercial Travelers and United Fund. And I’m sure I’ve missed a few. His contributions did not go unnoticed, as he received the Auburn Citizen of the Year Award in 1982, was inducted into the Auburn/Lewiston Sports Hall of Fame (1995), and from the YMCA received two Distinguished Service Awards, a Volunteer of the Year Award and in September 2016, inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame. A very impressive body of work for a man that also found the time to work every day, as a local Insurance agent, and still be an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He is a resounding example of a very full and well-lived life. Sports played a big role in his life, and he used that experience to impact the lives of many young athletes in the community. Three bouts of cancer and the replacement of many joints (often more than once) and other health challenges could never dampen his indomitable spirit. He never once wanted anyone to feel sorry for him, but instead felt so blessed by his life and all of those around him. He always had a smile, silly antic and warm handshake, not to mention numerous “Maine-isms”. The family is extremely grateful for years and years of warm and wonderful memories this man left with them. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered every single day. We should all strive to live like he did!

He leaves his wife Carol of Auburn, two children, Mary Beth Gagne and her husband Robert of Auburn and Thomas Woodard and his wife Megan of Jupiter, FL, his six grandchildren; Heather Young and her husband John “JP” of Auburn, Rachel Gagne of Auburn, Parker Woodard of Newfields, NH, Chelsea Paine of Jupiter, FL, Alexis Paine of Los Angeles, CA and Avery Woodard of Jupiter, FL, a brother Bruce Woodard Sr. of Wales, a sister Jacqueline Davis of Eastport and many nieces and nephews.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Penny’s life by visiting his guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

FUNERAL NOTICE

Woodard, Pennell C. 81 of Birch Rd. Auburn died Wednesday Nov.2 at his home. Visitation will take place on Friday Nov. 11 from 5-8 PM at Court St. Baptist Church. A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday Nov. 12 at 11 AM also at the church, followed by a luncheon. A private committal will be held at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to the Auburn/Lewiston YMCA, 62 Turner St. Auburn, ME 04210, the Court St. Baptist Church, 129 Court St. Auburn, ME 04210, or the Kora Shrine Temple, Second Section, 11 Sabattus St Lewiston, ME 04240. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation, & Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn 783-8545.