Robert Earnest Woodie, Sr. of Palmetto, FL transitioned quietly at his residence on July 12, 2021. Robert was the fourth child born to his beloved parents, the late James and Annie Steen Woodie on August 14, 1930. Being one of the middle children; Robert loved working with his father and brothers on the family’s farm. Robert attended Manatee County Public Schools where he played football at Lincoln. He graduated from Lincoln Memorial High. Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army and fought in the Korean War in the early 50s. After Basic Training, Robert went to jump school at Fort Benning, GA and became a Paratrooper. He later fought in the Vietnam War right after the Tet Offensive. The family was relieved and overjoyed when he finally returned to the states. Robert was deployed several times to Seoul, South Korea, Germany, the Panama Canal Zone, and military instillations all over the United States. After retirement from the military, Robert worked at Tropicana Products, Inc. until he retired completely. Robert married Marian Hall on August 4, 1951 and became stepdad to Barry Hall. Robert supported Marian’s dream of being an educator and made every sacrifice for her to achieve that goal. To this union, Valerie, Beverly, and Roderick Woodie were born. Robert was his family’s warrior guardian protector and made sure that his wife and children were safe, strong, educated, and productive citizens. Robert’s best friends were his brothers, James and Richard. One of Robert’s greatest joys was farming with his brother. Robert was preceded in death by his brothers, David, Sr., James, Richard, George, and Eddie Lee Woodie; Sisters; Mary George, and Christine Shannon. Robert was affectionately called “Earnest”. He grew up in a large family and was the son of a Baptist Minister. Needing to find God and hone a relationship with his Creator for himself, he received Christ at the age of twenty-one (21) under the spiritual guidance of Bro. Guiden at the 6th Avenue Church of Christ, Tampa, FL. Robert functioned in various capacities all over the world in the church. Robert was a brother who had a deep love for Christ, for the work of the kingdom, and inspired many with his sense of humor. He was great at organizing the brothers for various services to the Lord; whether a building, feeding, or beautification project. He exemplified 2 Timothy 2:2-3, he was a faithful servant. Robert leaves to cherish precious memories, his devoted wife, Marian Hall Woodie, children; Valerie Nelson, Beverly Powell (Wayne) Bradenton, FL, Roderick E. Woodie (Sylvia), Palmetto, FL; Robert Woodie, Jr., Philadelphia, PA, Barbara Thomas, Riverview, FL. Robert adored his blessings, grandchildren Jerry LaTeef Nelson, Felicia Wilson, Larry Thomas, Jr., Bradenton, FL, Langston James Woodie (Taylor), Gibsonton, FL, Mycah Woodie, grandchildren Benjamin, Landa, and Brian Ackerman, Palmetto, FL; great grandchildren, Jakaia Nelson, Bradenton, FL, Ja’El Nelson, (Selma, ALA), and Aiden Uriah Woodie, Gibsonton, FL; Sisters, Janie Davis (Aaron), and Lillian Sims (Leroy, deceased) Bradenton, FL, Adored nephew/son, Raymond Woodie, Sr. (Linda), and a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.
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