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Vince was born to Vincent E. Woodward, Sr. and Kathryn Neper Woodward in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was later joined by two brothers, Bill and Bob, and a baby sister, Susan. Their happy family suffered a tremendous loss when Vince’s parents died very young. The family was held together by his grandmother, Blanche, Vince, and his new bride, Gloria.
One of Vince’s strongest loyalties was to his country. When he took his oath to defend his country, he gladly took it knowing that there was no expiration date on his oath to defend it against all enemies, “foreign and domestic.”
Vince loved his years in the military. He wasn’t content to just join one branch of the service. He volunteered for the Air Force and spent eight years keeping our planes flying as an electronics specialist. When the conflict in Vietnam heated up, Vince volunteered for the Army Aviation branch and distinguished himself as a combat forward observation pilot who flew a single engine airplane at treetop level to advise/mark targets for other aircraft and to locate friendly forces who needed assistance. He was flying relatively unarmed in a situation where lesser men would have been terrified. His bravery was recognized by two Distinguished Flying Cross Metals (a remarkable achievement) and two Bronze Stars.
After retiring from the military, Vince couldn’t sit at home. He filled his time with a variety of employment opportunities. He used his military experience to become a tester and purveyor of weapon systems for friendly governments. He also tried his hand at car sales, printing, pest control, and politics.
Politics was truly a love/service of his life. Not only did he go to Washington, D.C. to put his hand to directly serve the people, he worked tirelessly with state and local politics and public service boards on issues that improved life for everyone.
Vince loved his family, his God, and his Country with all his heart. He was married to his wife, Gloria, for 57 years and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His daughters, Kathryn Lanier (Wayne), Barbara Kane (David), and Kimberly Porteous (Nick), were his legacy and his love.
With his six grandchildren and their spouses, Sydney Burke (Ciaran), Alex Lawson (Grace), Nick Kane (Maria), Jessica Kane (Zach), Jordan Kane, Eric Kane and two great-grandchildren, Ben Burke and Lennon Lawson, the spreading family tree was a special delight in his life. He was also an “honorary Grandpa” to many children through the heartstrings.
Vince passed from this world on May 4, 2020. He bravely fought against a viral enemy with everything he had. Again, he was a brave soldier, unarmed, against an opposing force. His final flight was a success as he winged away to heaven.
The Woodward family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 7500 Veterans Parkway, Suite A, Columbus, GA 31909, 706-577-0055. The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory of Mr. Vince below.
Cheri Livesay says
I will always remember Vince coming to the girls softball games – traveling just like a parent to watch them play. Very supportive grandfather
Much love to your family during this difficult time
Larry Weidell says
Drank way to many beers with him at Hunter AAF 🙂 and then again in Columbus, Ga. 🙂 Grilled some great steaks in Minnesota years later. He gave me a dog that was my best buddy for over twelve years. So until we meet again on Fiddlers Green have a cold one while waiting for me.
Val Hathaway says
My Thoughts and Prayers are with his Family!!Vince was Amazing person he Loved serving his Country .He Loved his Family and his Friends!!
Joann Yarbrough Miazga says
Woody and I met in the 8th grade and were friends through high school. We lost contact after graduation but reconnected just before our 50th class reunion. We have texted and talked on the phone since then (10 years). He and Gloria have been to Houston and we have enjoyed great meals together. I will miss his humor and caring concern. The last time we talked, he called me as he was concerned about me. I had just returned from 2 weeks in Israel at the time Covid-19 was starting to spread and the borders were being closed. He was worried about me being caught up in a quarantine. That was Woody. He will be missed. Love and prayers to the family.
Brian Smith says
My wife and I loved Vince. We also had the opportunity to meet his brother Bob and we were left with the most positive impression. I’ll always remember Vince and hockey. He was so enthusiastic and just wanted to share his joy with all in reach. I’ll never feel the same about the game again as it was Vince that made it special. God bless Vince and Bob and loved ones. I’m better for having known him. We both had tears in our eyes. God called him home. God Bless.
Ed Hostilo says
Once in a while a gentle soul comes along that shines a light in your life in just about every way! For me Vince Woodward was that gentle soul! I’ve always been referred to as a radical republican! I really dont think myself as radical, although I do like to think outside the box. Sometimes I catch a lot of grief for it. The one thing I always loved and admired Vince for is he always stood up for those of us that tend to think outside that box! He always fought for our right to be at the table with everyone else! I will miss this man terribly! I loved this man, and everything he stood for! Vince Woodward was a man’s man! Our world is a little worse off without him in it! I can still see that winning smile of his, always welcoming, and always letting us know that everything would be alright! God Bless You Vince, until we meet again!
Tessah West says
When I first met Mr. Vince Woodward, he insisted I call him grandpa. He was my best friend Jordan Kane’s grandpa and became like one to me. I’m thankful for the many memories and stories he would tell as we sat across the table at restaurants. I got to travel to Missouri with her last March and got to hangout with her family included Grandpa (Mr. Vince) and Grandma(Mrs. Gloria). They welcomed me like their own❤️ He will always and forever hold a special place in my heart!!
Myra Tharp says
My Condolences to the families. Me. Woodward was a Proud Veteran, great Father and very Proud of his daughters. Loved all his Grands. He did not meet a Stranger. He was loved by many. May God be with his family during this time. Myra Tharp
Becky Butler says
So many memories of this precious man after almost 40 years of living next to he and his loving, caring wife, Gloria. I have shared a few memories with Kathy while trying to put a smile on her face, but wanted to share these last ones that will forever be etched in my heart. The first is about the last caring act he and Gloria did for my family. They, along with Tammy and Bob were already looking after their neighbors and friends by making mask to provide safety precautions from this terrible virus. Vince came over here not once, but three times bringing masks to our household. The last time I had gotten a text telling me to look on on my door. There was a small mask especially made my my two year old grandson son. I had sent a picture showing Brantley with his mother’s mask on and that sweet couple immediately went and made a small one just for him. We will never get rid of those masks. Yes, there will be a sadness related to them , but we are going to dwell on the sweetness and love that went into making them and passing them along to others.
The other memory forever in my heart took place after Vince had left his Earthly home. My two great-granddaughters Ella Grace and Mac were placing flags in the yard and Ella, who is five, asked her grandmother why the flags were in Mr. Vince’s yard. Mareesa told her that he had gone to Heaven to be with Jesus. Ella then said ,” When he gets there maybe Jesus can heal him and send him back”. Now sassy , perky little two year old Mackenzie was more interested in why there were no flags in the driveway. A short time later we were outside when we noticed two Mother’s Day balloons that had evidently gotten away. The girls were looking at them and they then disappeared. They both asked where they had gone and I told them , to Heaven. Ella immediately said, to be with Mr. Vince. Oh how he was loved by young and old alike. I know this is long but needed to share my heart. Love all the Woodward’s and always will.
John Stacy says
Vince, a great patriotic American. He will surely be missed.
KathyWatley says
Rest in peace you battle is no over I remember him from pioneer little league always a happy person you now have your angle wings
Genie Boyd Hughes says
Vince came once a week in the morning to help witness Wills for servicemembers and retirees at the Fort Benning Legal Assistance Office. Our officers and NCOs loved interacting with him, he always had funny stories or similar experiences to share with them. Between Wills, he would pull out his I-phone and show all of us his most recent pictures of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was so proud of all of them! And he would sometimes bring in cookies from Gloria for us to enjoy. He will be missed by so many. But what a wonderful thing, to leave this world with so many who will love and remember him. His life was a great example of what it means to be a G-dly man. Vince, wish you were still here to give all of us a bear hug before you left for your next meeting, appointment, graduation, ball game – it was something new every week. Although sad for us, your family and huge circle of friends, I am comforted knowing that you are with your mother and father. My deepest sympathies to your family. May the angels guide you to your rest, ‘Mr. Vince.’
Mary Sue Polleys says
This community will miss this great man. His civic engagement, his wise political viewpoints, and his dedication as a great patriot are things I will always remember and appreciate about him. My deepest sympathy to all those who loved Vince. May God hold close all of you family members he loved so much.
Donald Whitney says
Vince, while we only met once previously, I knew in our brief time together, you were an All-American and a soldier who loved his country and family.
Thank you for making a significant difference and it’s a blessing to know you and your brother Bob are together forever with our Redeemer in Christ Jesus.
You will be missed and never forgotten
Peace and Blessings to your entire family,
Your brother in Christ
Don Whitney
Sharon J Hill says
Heartfelt condolences for your family Kim in this time. Blessings for strength in the comfort of the sweet memories of your father. Peace in knowing,
Nina Yoakum says
So sorry for the loss of your all American dad. The photographs sum him up perfectly. So glad you have all these pictures to always remember him by. What a honorable family man he was. Prayers for healing to all.
Terri says
Loved my uncle. Wish everything we could turn back time and take all of this back. It still doesn’t seem real. He was there for anything you asked. I don’t think I ever remember him saying no when you needed his help. My babies and I will miss their grandpa / gruncle / uncle Woody forever. Grateful for the time we had.
Linda Nerness says
I met Vince and Gloria when I first got involved in politics 40 years ago. Vince was an excellent example of a godly man. The Woodward clan is blessed to have had Vince as the head/heart of their family. Thank you Gloria for sharing family pictures on this site so we could all share in your memories. Condolences also to Vince’s brother, Bob’s family. Take comfort that Vince & Bob are together in their eternal home–sorely missed by all who loved them. Wishing both families hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain.
With heartfelt sympathy
Nancy Rinn says
MR. VINCE, a truly amazing man, a Southern Gentleman, in all respects and a True American hero and patriot. I knew Vince for many years in the local Republican party. We would sit together many times and he would always share pictures and stories of his children and grandchildren. He was a proud Daddy and grandaddy. Vince always helped everyone, and never met a stranger. Everyone was included in his wirkd. He was very suppoetive when I list my husband a year and a half ago. Vinxe, I will miss your words of wisdom, tour sense of humor, your humility and compassion for your felkiq man. Our loss and Heavens gain.. RIP my friend.
Alton Russell says
Vince was a great man, loyal and always truthful to his God, Country and family. He was a great friend and wise counsel. I can only think of him as a real true patriotic American hero. And my friend… I will miss him, more than you know..
Alton Russell says
Vince was a great man, loyal and always truthful to his God, Country and family. He was a great friend and wise counsel. I can only think of him as a real true patriotic American hero. I will miss him, more than you know..
Paul S Olson says
It has been real Surreal with the passing of Vince. I did not know Vince had been awarded two DFCs and two Bronze Stars which is very commendable. Vince kept this information to himself, he was a very likable person. It has been very upsetting to me for him and his brother losing their lives. Life is so precious. One minute Vince and his brother were larger than life and a few weeks later they are gone. It has been a very humbling experience for me. God Bless him and his brother who were inseparable in life.
Peggy Smith says
Prayers for healing. So sorry for your loss. Always keep those memories close to your heart. God bless you.
Jim Jenkins says
So sorry to hear of Vince’s passing. Vince and I were in high school together, and are both retired military . I really enjoyed the articles and comments Vince had on Facebook. I will miss him.
I pray the Good Lord will give Vince’s Family the strength to deal with this tragic loss .And they can find some peace and comfort in the memories
that he left them with.
I was very proud of him for his military service and his fight for candidates that would work for the betterment of our country.. He will be greatly missed not only by his Family and Friends, but a lot of others in his community.
Sandra Jenkins says
It’s been 2 yrs. Since Mr. Vince been in Heaven & I’m just seeing where I could leave my condolences. I met Vince @ Martin Army Community Hospital. He came up in The OR almost everyday to visit with his daughter Barb & he wasn’t a stranger to noone & he always will give you a hug. Very friendly guy. It hurtled my heart so very much when he went too his heavenly home. He truly were missed & I always knew when he would come to the OR, I will be greeted with a hug. Rest on Vince oneday I will join you on the other side.
WILLIAM H WARD says
As all the above tributes indicate, Vince touched so many lives and left a lasting positive imprint that it’s hard to count.
I know, because I was one.
Godspeed to your Mansion of the Lord, Vince!