Gary Wayne Woodard

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30

Gary Wayne Woodard, born on July 13, 1952, in Kentwood, Louisiana, went to his heavenly home on September 7th, 2026.

While Gary was a quiet man, his love for his family ran deep. He adored his daughter, Ashley, and frequently shared that she was the absolute best thing in his life. Known affectionately by his friends as “Red Bird,” Gary found joy in the simple things: casting a fishing line, firing up the grill, watching LSU Football, and spending time riding around town with his lifelong buddy, Eddie.

Gary leaves behind his only daughter, Ashley Nicole Woodard Turner, and her husband, Kyle; He was the youngest of five children and is survived by his brothers, Virgil “Woody” Woodard Jr. (MaryLee) and Roy Woodard; and his sister, MarySue Woodard. Gary also leaves behind his nephews, Samuel Woodard and Brandon Lester (Kori); his niece, Casey Whittington (Jason); his great-nephews, Eli Woodard and Barrett Whittington; and his great-nieces, Reese Whittington, Khloe Lester, and Kamryn Lester.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil V. Woodard and Mary Nell Cain Woodard; his grandparents, Samuel and Sally Woodard and David and Susie Cain; his sister, Patricia “Tish” Lester, and brother-in-law, John Lester; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was also preceded in death by his two lifelong friends, Eddie Cummings and Gene Swindle.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood, on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 from 9:00 AM until the religious service begins at 11:00 AM conducted by Deacon David Templeton. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Kyle Turner, Samuel Woodard, Brandon Lester, Jason Whittington, Eli Woodard, and Barrett Whittington.