Roland Nelson Woodruff, Jr.

ROLAND NELSON “WOODY” WOODRUFF

Roland “Woody” Woodruff passed peacefully away in Gulfport on September 21, 2023, surrounded by family.  Woody was born in Newark, NJ to Roland and Elizabeth (Wenzel) on February 3, 1947.  He graduated from Newark Prep in 1965 and served in the US Army’s First Signal Corps during the Vietnam War.

He leaves behind his heart-broken husband of 39 years, Michael Wilkes, a daughter, Julie Woodruff of Nashville, TN, and a son, Timothy (Jessica) of Bartow, Florida, and three grandchildren, Kodi, Nova, and Levi, and a brother Gary (Pat) of Vernon, New Jersey.  Woody will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Woody is predeceased by his parents, Roland Nelson Woodruff, Sr. and Elizabeth Woodruff, and a brother Gene.

The family wishes to thank the ICU nursing staff at Memorial Hospital for the exceptional care they provided and to  Rev. Patrick Sanders for his support.

A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Peter’s By-The-Sea Episcopal Church at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Peter's by the Sea Episcopal Church, 1912 E. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, MS 39501, or to the Looziana Basset Rescue League at 74283 Military Road, Covington, LA 70435.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is serving the family.