Coach Woody Lavern Woodard

Lavern Woodard (Coach Woody), 79, went home to be with the Lord on February 11, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born on May 18, 1937 in Jacksonville, Florida. He served in the Florida National Guard for several years in the late 1950’s. Mr. Woodard worked for the city of Jacksonville Water Dept. for almost 35 years. He was the longest serving coach at Glynlea Park. Coach Woody coached hundreds of boys and a few girls from 1968 – 2000. One field there is now named after him. Mr. Woodard was very active in his church. He was on the buildings and grounds committee, maintaining the flower beds, cutting grass, edging and trimming hedges. Mr. Woodard was most passionate about the Florida Gators Football. He never missed a game and he was always wearing Orange and Blue. Mr. Woodard took great pride in his yard and home. He spent many hours fishing in the lake where they live.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Elvin and Irene Woodard, his twin brother Leon Woodard, and younger brother James Woodard. Mr. Woodard is survived by his loving wife of 28 years Glenda Woodard of Interlachen; son -–Randy Woodard (Lisa) of Jacksonville; step-son – Paul Williams (Shannon) of Interlachen; daughter – Brenda Smith of Jacksonville; (9) grandchildren; (8) great-grandchildren; (1) great-great-grandchild; sister – Mary Lou Crosby (Larry) of Hawthorne.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted by Pastor Tony Clubb, Saturday, at 11:00 am, March 11, 2017 at St. Augustine Road Baptist Church, 13233 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers please make your donation to First Baptist Church of Interlachen, Buildings and Grounds, 115 N. County Road 315, Interlachen, Florida 32148, or Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, 927 S. SR 19, Palatka, Florida 32177 in the name of Lavern Woodard.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32207. (904) 396-2522. www.greenlawnjacksonville.com or www.dignitymemorial.com