Claude Samuel Woody Jr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Claude S. Woody Jr., who left us peacefully on the morning of Sunday, January 14, 2024. Born on Christmas Eve in 1932 to Lucille and Claude Woody Sr. in Oklahoma City, Claude’s journey was one marked by talent, dedication, and a zest for life.

Starting at an early age, Claude worked for his parents alongside his brother Larry, at the family business and Oklahoma’s oldest candy manufacturer, Woody Candy Company. When he was 17, he graduated from Classen High School with a desire to follow his lifelong dream of becoming an artist and hoped to attend an art school in Kansas City. Instead, his parents encouraged him to enroll in classes at the University of Oklahoma, but he left after his first year to join the Army.

At the end of the Korean War, Claude retired from the Army, and reenrolled at OU in the fall of 1954. He would earn degrees in business and law before being admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association, then spending the next 20 years working as an attorney, including opening his own law practice in 1966.

Claude's personal life was as rich and fulfilling as his professional endeavors. He first married Carolyn Wright during his law school years, with whom he had two daughters, Cheryl and Ciane. Later, Claude found love again with Judith Ann “Judy” Andrews, his partner in both life and business for over 50 years.

While working full-time as an attorney, Claude would continue to hone his artistic skills by going to local workshops whenever prominent artists would make their way to OKC. In 1976, Claude began attending The Art Students League workshops in New York City. Over the next 5 years, he would learn how to paint portraits by the renowned artist and instructor, John Howard Sanden, who had already painted the official portraits of President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush. He also studied under the guidance of Sergei Bongart.

Claude would go on to win several awards for his art, beginning at the closing ceremony for Sanden’s workshops at the Waldorf Astoria, leading him to quit practicing law and begin a career painting portraits. As an accomplished oil painter and photographer, he specialized in portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. His work, which includes portraits of Supreme Court Justices, Governors, and prominent figures across the nation, adorn the walls of the Oklahoma Heritage Museum, his home, and numerous other homes and offices.

He and Judy moved to Santa Fe in 1979, where they would live for four years before moving back to Oklahoma City. In 1984, Claude and Judy took over the management of Woody Candy Co. with his mother Lucille by their side. Claude and Judy were gifted candy makers, and they would successfully run the business over the next 30+ years, expanding the manufacturing facility and eventually selling their candies to clients nationwide.

Claude was preceded in death by his wife Judith Andrews Woody, his parents, his brother Larry Woody Sr., and nephew Larry Woody Jr. Claude leaves behind a legacy of love and achievement. He is survived by his daughters Cheryl Demas, her husband Mike, and their children Hayden, Clayton, and Jordan and his wife Jennifer, and their two daughters Carolyn and Rosalie; and Ciane Hogan, her husband Brad, and their three sons Caton, Sam, and Daniel. He is also survived by his niece Deborah Woody Chapman, his sister-in-law Kathi Leply, her children Audry, Laura, and Kevin and their families, as well as his faithful dog and companion, Sophie.

Claude's impact extends beyond his immediate family. He was a cherished employer and a beloved neighbor, remembered for his generosity, kindness, and the inspiration he provided to many. As we bid farewell to a remarkable man, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of his journey and who stood by him, especially in his later years.

Claude's life was a testament to the beauty of pursuing one's passions. He will be deeply missed, but forever remembered as a man whose life was as vibrant and impactful as the art he created.

In remembrance of Claude S. Woody Jr., a celebration of his life will be held for close family on Monday, January 29th, 2024 at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oklahoma Humane Society.