Ralph B. Woodard, SMSgt USAF (Ret)

Ralph B. Woodard, Jr., SMSgt USAF (Ret)

Ralph B. Woodard Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on July 8, 1942, in Amsterdam, Georgia, to Ralph Woodard Sr. and Mattie President. He peacefully departed this life on May 1, 2025, at his home in Papillion, Nebraska, surrounded by love. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter, Ashley Woodard; and his cherished cousin, Hester Knight, whom he held close to his heart as a sister.

Ralph’s early years were spent in Quincy and Tallahassee, Florida, where his strong character and gentle spirit began to take shape. He went on to serve with honor in the United States Armed Forces for 22 years, including a tour in Vietnam. After his military service, Ralph continued his commitment to his country by working as a supervisor with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Lincoln, Nebraska, until his retirement.

A man of many talents and passions, Ralph found joy in playing golf, fishing, cooking, playing his keyboard, and starting each morning with the sounds of Southern Soul music. He was known for his kind heart, gentle demeanor, and his unwavering love for his family. Nothing brought him more joy than the time spent with his family, 19 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

When the time came, Ralph held on to life with courage and grace until God whispered, “Son, it’s time to come home.” He let go and entered the eternal embrace of the angels.

Ralph leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness. He is survived by his devoted wife, Fannie Keeton-Woodard; his daughter, Sherry (Ralph) Young; and his sons: Rondy (Lucille) Woodard, Terrence (Jenny) Woodard, Michael (Rachel) Woodard, and Damian (Malissa) Roberts, all of Bellevue, Nebraska.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Frances (Roy, deceased) Johnson of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Lynda (Roy, deceased) Mitchell Lisman of Alabama; brothers-in-law: James (Yvette) Keeton of Gretna, Louisiana, Garrison (Stephanie) Keeton of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Joseph (Alex) Keeton, and Vernon (Lela, deceased) Harbin of Lisman, Alabama.

He will be fondly remembered by his devoted nephews, Ahmad Johnson, Marcus Keeton, LaKendrick Keeton, Naasir Spivey, and Javier Hernandez; his niece, Brittany Hernandez; a deeply devoted granddaughter, Asja Woodard; and devoted cousins Allen President, Morris Knight and his family. Ralph also leaves behind a host of loving family members, friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish his memory.

“To my devoted son, Michael Woodard, and my forever sidekicks: grandsons Theo, Kaiden, Isiah, and Hendricks, I love you!”

Ralph’s parting words to all: “Please remember, I love you all, and I took your love with me!”

Celebration of Life Service: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 10:30 a.m., Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel.

To view a live broadcast of the service, click the link below.

https://boxcast.tv/view/ralph-b-woodard-jr-smsgt-usaf-ret-eso5od7oljmisyfzdyqr?_

Committal Service: 12:30 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery

Military Honors: Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard

Memorials: American Cancer Society