Charlie Woodard

Charlie Candler Woodard, died Tuesday, November 11, 2008 as he had lived, with family and friends gathered by his side. Charlie, the son of the late Thomas Henry and Nannie Ridley Woodard, was born June 17, 1914, in the Pumpkintown community of Jackson County. Charlie moved to Haywood County as a young man. He married the love of his life and indispensable business partner, Hilda Liner Woodard in 1934. Charlie was predeceased by his wife Hilda, brothers Caleb, Claude, Ben (Bad Wolf), and Grady Woodard, and by sister Ada Woodard Martin. His sister, Edith Bryson of Sylva, survives him. Also surviving are daughters and sons-in law, Gail and Dann Cross of Atlanta and Nan and Michael Burch of Chapel Hill; his three grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Kimberly Gail Crow of Waynesville; Dr. C. Christopher Pressley and wife, Ami Trowell of Roanoke, VA and their daughters, Madeleine, Sarah, and Audrey; and Lauren Pressley Moriarty and husband Brian Moriarty of Charlottesville, VA and their sons, Connor and Ian; and numerous nieces and nephews. In October 1935 Charlie and brother Claude opened a Texaco gas station in Waynesville. Less than a year later Charlie and Hilda opened Charlie's Place, the forerunner of his later restaurants. He served with the Pacific Fleet onboard the USS French during WW II. Many remember Charlie as the perennially happy, cigar-chewing owner of Charlie's Drive-In, the Waynesville eatery he and wife Hilda operated for nearly 50 years. Charlie charmed folks with his easy going smile and his love of life. In addition to the Waynesville operation, he and Hilda operated restaurants in Canton, Cherokee, and on the Lake Junaluska Methodist Assembly grounds. Charlie also co-owned two local auto dealerships and the Oak Park Motor Inn. Charlie was a member of Waynesville Lions Club, the Jr. Chamber of Commerce, and the Masons. He and Hilda accompanied Governor Dan K. Moore on trips to promote North Carolina in South America and Europe. Charlie sat on the boards of the Salvation Army and Wingate College, and served on the Board of Directors at Haywood Savings and Loan. Much of Charlie's life and influence was centered at First Baptist Church in Waynesville. He joined FBC when he moved from Jackson County and remained active and faithful for over 70 years, until declining health and strength prevented active attendance. Because he often worked on Sunday mornings, Charlie was an ardent supporter of Baptist Training Union on Sunday evenings, and he witnessed to his Christian faith locally, nationally, and globally. At home Charlie was the same cheerful, positive, optimistic man the public saw—a prankster, encourager, and accessible dad, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle who gave his unconditional love freely. Charlie loved all people—whether educated or illiterate, friendly or cranky, rich or poor, white, black or brown. He believed and affirmed the essential goodness within each one. His belief that, given a bit of encouragement and affirmation, anyone could turn his/her life around was never dimmed. He loved life and lived it fully and enthusiastically, embracing each experience with hope, determination and expectant joy. At home, at work, at church, in the community —he brought all of himself into every encounter. A man can leave no finer legacy to his family, his church, and his community. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2008 at First Baptist Church of Waynesville with Reverend Dr. Robert Prince and Reverend William W. McNeill officiating. Burial will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to MemoryCare, 100 Far Horizons Ln, Asheville, NC 28803; Hospice Services of Haywood Regional Medical Center, 560 LeRoy George Dr, Clyde, NC 28721; or Salvation Army of Waynesville, 290 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC.

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