Bernard Gene Woodard

Bernard Gene "Bernie" Woodard, 77, entered eternal rest on Nov. 13, 2016, in Chesapeake, Virginia. The youngest son of John Thomas Woodard and Elaine Woodard, who predeceased him, Bernie was raised in the West Norfolk suburb of Portsmouth, and baptized in the West Norfolk Baptist Church. He graduated from Churchland High School in 1957 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Old Dominion University in 1964. Afterward, he entered a career with what is today the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, serving and advocating for individuals with disabilities through its Southside Hampton Roads office. After retiring from the state, Bernie became a realtor with Rose & Womble Realty until his health no longer allowed. He loved to read mysteries, cheer on the Redskins, and relax on the Outer Banks. Wherever he went, Bernie made friends who also became his family, all of whom will miss his charisma and vitality. Bernie leaves to cherish his memory his older brother Thomas B. Woodard and sister-in-law Louise Beard Woodard, nephew Mark Woodard (Amy) and niece Alison Woodard, all of Newport News. He also leaves behind four great-nephews John, Seth, Philip and Luke Woodard, who will fondly recall Thanksgiving vacations with their great-uncle on the OBX. Bernie had many aunts and uncles in the extended Woodard family and numerous cousins throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. He was especially close with his cousin Mary Jane Sullivan Spradlin and her husband Alton of Chesapeake. The family wishes to thank dear friends John and Lynne Bunn, Bob and Mae Daly, and Richard Jones for their attentiveness to Bernie, as well as the staff of Senior Core, especially Janice, and the medical and chaplain staffs of Chesapeake Regional Medical Center for their compassion and excellent care in Bernie’s final days. Visitation with the family will occur at Loving Funeral Home, 3225 Academy Ave. in Portsmouth on Friday, Nov. 18 at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service and celebration of life at 11:00. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Through much of his life, Bernie served others, and the family requests, in lieu of flowers, that, if you wish, you give to your favorite service organization in his memory.

Bernard Gene Woodard

November 13, 2016