Franklin Earl Woodruff

Franklin Earl Woodruff

Franklin Earl Woodruff (Frank) was born on September 17, 1936, in Glade Valley, NC, to the late Paul and Grace Woodruff. He passed away on August 6, 2025, at Brookridge Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, NC.

Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force in September 1954, serving as an administrative specialist during the Korean War. He was stationed in Alaska and other locations. It was during his time in the Air Force that Frank was led to accept Christ, thanks to the guidance of an Air Force chaplain.

In addition to his parents and wife, Carol, who passed away in 2006, Frank is survived by his son Daniel (wife Cecilia) of Coral Gables, Florida; his grandchildren Melissa (Jason) Gries and Bruce (Brittany) Woodruff; and two great-grandchildren, Jensen and Caroline Woodruff. He is also survived by three siblings: Clara (Ken) Pruitt, Norma Brooks, and Pauline Shepherd.

After completing his military service, Frank attended Wake Forest University and began a successful career in Winston-Salem. He spent 26 years with Piedmont Airlines, working in Myrtle Beach, SC; LaGuardia Airport, NY; and in Hot Springs and Lynchburg, VA. He retired as station manager for Piedmont Airlines and US Air in Newark, NJ, where he also served on the Port Authority and the local School Board.

Frank and Carol retired to Myrtle Beach, SC, in 1991, where Frank became an avid golfer and formed lasting friendships. His grandchildren fondly remember the many hours spent with them at the beach. When Frank moved back to Winston-Salem, he brought joy to others in the retirement communities by calling bingo and leading exercise classes.

A memorial service will be held 2 PM Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home, located in Winston-Salem, NC. 

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Memorial donations may be made to Woodruff Cemetery, c/o Judie Bedsaul, 1090 Camp Butler Road, Glade Valley, NC 28627.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 13th, 2025 at Woodruff Cemetery in Glade Valley, NC.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is assisting the family with local arrangements.  If you wish, online tributes maybe extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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