Bobby Ray Woodall

Bobby Ray Woodall, age 96, formerly of Bassett, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 26, 2011. He was surrounded by his children on his last day before passing on to Eternal life. Bobby was born in Patrick County on June 18, 1914 to the late Rufus Claude and Minnie Hudson Woodall. Also preceding him in death were three brothers, Marion, Alvin and Johnnie Woodall and a sister, Elaine Corns.

Bobby was also predeceased by his first wife Hallie Lewis Woodall. They had two surviving children, Elizabeth Opaline Spencer of Martinsville, Virginia and Lewis Aaron Woodall (Shirley) of New Castle, Virginia. Bobby was predeceased by his second and devoted wife of 60 years, Myrtle Handy Woodall who passed away on May 17, 2007. They had two children, Lonnie Ray Woodall who passed away on May 20, 2002, and a daughter, Carolyn Woodall Davis (John) of Roanoke. Also surviving is his sister, Gracie Woodall Martin of Stuart and Lonnie’s widow, Sandy Woodall Jordan, of Martinsville.

He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Martinsville. An avid and accomplished guitarist, Bobby passed on his love of music to his children and grandchildren. His musical experiences were many but one special highlight was to play guitar at the age of 77 on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, LA. He also enjoyed fishing, especially following his retirement when he enjoyed deep sea fishing at the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Bobby loved his children and was very proud of his seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He moved to Springtree Health and Rehabilitation Center in Roanoke, Virginia just four years ago where he made many friends, and enjoyed playing with the band for other residents each week. The family is most appreciative of the care and love shown by staff at Springtree Health and Rehabilitation these past four years.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service which is at 2 P.M. Monday, March 28, 2011, at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Bassett with Pastor Doug Ramsey officiating. Interment will follow beside Lonnie and Myrtle at Roselawn Burial Park, Martinsville. Donations in Bobby’s memory can be made to the SPCA, 132 Joseph Martin Highway, Martinsville, Virginia 24112 or to the American Heart Association, 4504 Starkey Road, Suite 115, Roanoke, Virginia 24018.

Online condolences may be made at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Services, Bassett, VA.