Bruce Fitzgerald Woodson

WOODSON, Bruce Fitzgerald Sr., passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 12, 2013. He was born May 12, 1919 in Richmond, Virginia, to the late J.W. and Grace F. Woodson. He grew up with one brother, the late Jack Woodson. Bruce graduated from John Marshall High School in 1937. He was a WWII veteran, having served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 through 1945, as a pilot and musician. He opened Bruce F. Woodson Jewelers on Main Street in 1957, and remained in business until retirement in 1980. He was an accomplished gemologist and watchmaker. One of the highlights of business was getting to know General Omar Bradley, who was Chairman of the Board of Bulova Watch Company until 1973. Mr. Woodson was a well known Richmond musician, playing clarinet and saxophone until age ninety. He worked with many famous artists at the Mosque (Landmark) and Richmond Coliseum. He hired local musicians to play for Sonny and Cher, Isaac Hayes, Boots Randolph, Glen Campbell, and other musicals and concerts, including Ringling Brothers Circus, Holiday on Ice, Fiddler on the Roof, and the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions Show. Bruce loved antique cars and was the last surviving charter member of the Richmond Region Antique Automobile Club, which he helped form in 1952. In that same year, he also co-founded the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Automobile Club. He was also active in the Virginia Motor Sport Club, Rolls-Royce Owners Club, and the American Austin-Bantam Club. Bruce loved life and always gave of himself to encourage others to pursue their passions. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Holmes Woodson; his daughter Barbara Andres (Jerry) and son Bruce F. Woodson, Jr. (Carol), two grandsons Stephen and Brian Woodson and nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday June 16 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Woody Funeral home, Parham Chapel, 1771 North Parham Road. Funeral service will be on Monday June 17 at 11:00 am at River Road Church, Baptist 8000 River Road, where he had been a loyal member for many years. Interment to follow at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to River Road Church, Baptist or a charity of your choice.