Cleveland Woodard, Jr., 81, Marion, passed away in his home at 8:10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. He was born in Bath County, Kentucky, on September 25, 1935, to the late Jeffrey and Opal (Hunt) Woodard. On March 10, 1959, Cleveland married Lorena McKee, and she survives.
Cleveland always had a love for cars, and it was this passion that led him and his brother, Glenn, to become co-owners of Woodard Auto Sales in 1962. Even though Glenn retired in 1998, Cleveland continued in the business.
He had a love for John Deere equipment and was known for never meeting a stranger. Sitting outside on his patio and relaxing by the pool was one of his favorite things to do. It was when his family got together to share a meal or celebrate birthdays and holidays that meant the most to Cleveland, though. He loved his family and he always made sure that everyone was fed and cared for.
He will be missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Lorena; step-daughter, Martha (Bryan) Robinson, Athens, Alabama; son, Jeffrey Thomas Woodard, Marion; daughter, Rita May Smith, Marion; grandchildren, Tammi (Chris) Grathen, Douglas (Amanda) Wood, Morgan Smith, and Nicholas Smith; great-grandchildren, Brayden Grathen, Ian Wood, and Eli Wood; brother, Donnie (Becky) Woodard, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-dad, Thomas Corbin, and brother, Glenn Woodard.
The family will receive visitors from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2017, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion.
Services for Cleveland will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at the funeral home with additional visitation one hour prior to the service from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Pastor Howard Clayton will be officiating with burial following at Grant Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.