Obituary of Howard Woodford SR

Howard Winston Woodford, Sr., a lifelong resident of Huddleston, passed away Sunday, August 26. A son of the late Samuel Russell Woodford, Jr. and Willie Anna Hawkins Woodford, Winston was born at home on July 6, 1929. Winston graduated from Huddleston High School, received his undergraduate degree from VPI and earned his Master's from Lynchburg College. He proudly served as an officer in the Air Force where he was commissioned overseas for several years. Upon returning home Winston was a charter member of the Huddleston Ruritan Club and also helped organize Huddleston's Fire Department. A member of Mentow Baptist Church for more than 70 years, Winston served there in many different capacities. Winston was a lifelong learner and served Bedford County for many years as an educator, principal and administrator. He also enjoyed farming, storytelling and passing on his family heritage to the next generation. Winston will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, the former Barbara Anne Arthur. He is also survived by his sons, Howard Winston Woodford, Jr. and wife, Linda; Samuel Russell Woodford, III, and wife, Karen; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Pemberton, and husband, Mark; sisters, Emily Fitzgerald, and husband, Ed, and Josephine Hodges. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. The family requests memorials be made to Mentow Baptist Church Columbarium Fund, c/o Mentow Baptist Church, 3282 Mentow Drive, Huddleston, VA 24104 or Huddleston Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 77, Huddleston, VA 24104. A Memorial Service, with military honors by Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Honor Guard, will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 3 PM at Mentow Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until the time of the service at the church. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.