MR. JOHN TIMOTHY WOODARD, JR., age 78, of Eastman, GA, died Thursday, September 19, 2024, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Monday, September 23, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Dr. Paul Cowles, Rev. Mike Grenade, and Rev. Todd Crosby officiating, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery. John was born in McRae, GA on October 7, 1945, and raised in Chauncey, GA. He graduated from Dodge County High School in 1963 and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia State University. While attending Georgia State University, he worked as a banker with First National Bank in Atlanta, GA, before returning home to Chauncey, GA in 1972. He worked on the family farm, Woodard Farms, which later became Woodard Brothers Farm, for many years. John was a member and deacon of New Union Baptist Church for many years and later became a member and deacon of Eastman First Baptist Church. He was a member of the EMC Board for 31 years, served as a Gideon for many years, and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved working on the family farm, it was his lifelong passion, and he had the honor and privilege of being named “Farmer of the year” and “Farm of the year” during his illustrious career. He enjoyed watching westerns, football, attending family gatherings, and enjoyed meals surrounded by his family. He was a very likeable gentleman with a knack for telling stories. John was the son of the late Margaret Stanley Woodard and J.T. Woodard, Sr., and was preceded in death by his Brother, Danny Woodard, Brother-in-law, Rev. Charlie Robinson, and Nephew, Tim Robinson. He is survived by his Wife – Brenda Wood Woodard of Eastman, GA; Daughter – Sherri Woodard Grooms (Marc) of Brunswick, GA; Sons – Tim Woodard (Selena) of Eastman, GA and Jeff Woodard of Douglas, GA; Step-Daughters – Ellen Brown (Richie) of Dublin, GA and Jodi Mullis Warren (Jason) of Dexter, GA; Grandchildren – Logan W. Bundick (Brent), Jenna Grace Woodard, Keaton Woodard, Cody Brown, Will Brown, Maci Brown, Jaxon Warren, and Emree Warren; Great-Grandchildren – Lainee Bundick, Beau Bundick, Jake Bundick, and Caden Woodard; Sisters – Connie W. Robinson and Cheryl W. Walker (Henry), both of Eastman, GA; Sister-in-law – Karen Woodard of Eastman, GA; Several Nieces, Nephews, and a host of friends. The family may be contacted at the Woodard residence, 3963 Soperton Hwy., Eastman, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 4:00PM-6:00PM Sunday, September 22. In addition to flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons International Bible Fund.