Clifton “Cliff” Harmon Woodall
Services for Mr. Clifton “Cliff ” Harmon Woodall were held Monday, February 8, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church in Ruston, LA. Visitation was observed from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m. followed by burial at Kilpatrick’s Cemetery, all officiated by Bro. Bob Deich.
Cliff, 93, of Ruston, LA, was born June 15, 1927, in Waldo, AR, and passed away peacefully in his home on February 3, 2021.
He was raised from humble means and became a hard-working young man at a young age, after the sudden death of his father.
After completing high school, he proudly enlisted in the Navy to serve in WWII. Following his service he attended Henderson, in Arkadelphia, AR where he met and then married Velma Jean Blankenship on August 23,1952. They moved to Fayetteville, AR where he completed his Master’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting at the University of Arkansas.
Trying to stay close to home, he took jobs in Business Management and Accounting with Good Year Tire and McCoy Couch, even training employees to run the “new” enormous IBM computer system before they landed in Ruston, becoming the sole proprietors of Woodall’s Furniture Store in 1962.
Cliff and Velma were not only business owners but they welcomed their community as friends and family into their “home” at Woodall’s Furniture Gallery for 58 years.
Cliff ’s success in life was not based on accolades of the world, though there were many, but humbly based on his relationships with others and his dedication to God, his family, church and community. As an usher, he served at Grace United Methodist Church faithfully, until physically unable to do so. Working hard and being of humble character allowed him to share Jesus and his heart with those who knew him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 68 years, Velma Woodall; his adopted sister Evonne Cearley: adopted children Rebecca Cearley Cook, Clay Cook, Theresa Cearley Christian and Charles Clifton Cearley; greatnephew-Dustin Self, niecesMary Ann Cowling and Jana Hazelwood along with numerous great nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
Bill Brown, Buddy Burnham, Alexander Christian, John Micah Christian, Clay Cook and Jess Cook will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Zack Bennett, Bob Bryant, Clifton Cearley, Ronny Karriker and Dustin Self.
Mrs. Woodall and family would like to thank all of the loyal family and friends for the love exhibited during this time of loss and sweet celebration of Cliff ’s life.
Memorials may be donated to the American Heart Association, St. Jude’s, Grace United Methodist Church or donor’s charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
