George Edward Woodward, Sr., 84, of Gallipolis, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday March 13, 2013, at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida. George was born on December 31, 1928, in Gallia County, the son of the late Tom Fox and Sallie Estelle Sawyers Woodward.

A native of Gallipolis, Ohio, George graduated from Gallia Academy in 1946. He retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber after 28 years of service. He was a member of the Patriot Masonic Lodge and the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen. He comes from a long line of riverboat captains extending all the way back to his great-grandfather, Asa Woodward. George has been a member of the Grace United Methodist Church since childhood. He was also a former member of the Green Local School Board. George was active in farming and the Gallia County Cattlemen’s Association, as well as being awarded one of the Farm Families of the Century. His hobbies were farming, fishing, gardening, painting, wood carving, and music.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jeanne Davis; and his great-granddaughter, Zoe Elizabeth Woodward.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 61 years, Nona L. Henderson Woodward; his six children, Robert L. (Jane) Woodward of Gallipolis, Katie (Richard) Maciag of Fort Myers, FL., George E. (Becky) Woodward, Jr. of Point Pleasant, Gregory Scott Woodward of Gallipolis, Daniel F. (Sheri) Woodward of Gallipolis, and Nona Kimberly (Jeff) Canaday of Gallipolis; his grandchildren, Robert (Megan), George III, Seth, and Olivia Woodward, Kimberly Hatcher, Jessica (David) Mills, Angela Steger, and Travis Frasher; his great-grandchildren, Colton Eryk, Brooke, Colton Wyatt, and Savannah Kate; his brother, Tom Woodward; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday March 19, 2013, at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Pastor William Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Masonic services will be conducted at 8 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home by the Patriot Masonic Lodge. George’s sons and grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Grace United Methodist Church in George’s memory.

An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com.