Robert “Bobby” Lee Woodruff Sr., age 77, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was released into the arms of his Savior on February 18, 2021 at 12:10 pm at Fort Sanders Hospital with his family by his side. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
Robert was born to parents George Woodruff and Jeanette Atchley Woodruff, on July 31, 1943 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Old Austin High School in 1962, and earned an Associates’s Degree at Knoxville Business College. Robert worked as a Line Production Operator for 40 years with White Lily Foods before retiring in 2008.
He enjoyed Bible Study, Alabama football, bowling, guns, motorcycles and Racing Hot Rods. Bobby received multiple bowling awards for bowling averages from 250-300. After service to his country in Vietnam; Bobby received an honorable discharge. He met Lillian in 1962. They were married on October 3, 1966 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Together they raised three children: Coretta McGraw, Robert Jr. “Beaver”, and Demond “Tyrone” Woodruff.
Preceded in death by father George Woodruff, and sister Georgia Woodruff.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years Lillian; mother Jeannette Woodruff; daughter Coretta (Gary) McGraw; sons Robert Jr. and Demond (Jacqueline) Woodruff; sisters Betty Buffington and Barbara “Cookie” Woodruff; brothers William “Billy” and Jackie Woodruff; sister- and brother-in-laws Juanita Avery, Katherine Hall, Robert Hall Sr. Grandchildren Gary “G”, Aquela McGraw, Terrance, Anita, Robert Woodruff III, Jalen, Montina Jones, Zoie and DJ Woodruff; great-grandchildren Braden and Omarii Revels, Londyn McGraw, Nyla McGraw, Aleena Jones, Robert Woodruff IV; and a devoted adopted family that includes Keira (David), Weston, Jonathan, David Jr., Kezia, Benjamin, Marcia “Lacy”, Naomi and August Wyatt.
Devoted relatives include: Verlina Crockett, Shirley Mack and Eva Leverett, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and devoted friends and church family to include: Thurman (Rebecca) Kinnebrew, Herbert (Carolyn) Gusby, Roger Lee, Henry (Buddy) and Rose Cloud, Carolyn and Brantey Taylor, Jackie Nance, JoAnne Easterly, James “Chubby” Clark and Anthony (Regina) Campbell.
Thursday, February 25, 2021, a public walkthrough is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Greater Warner Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church, 3800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN. Social distancing and face coverings are required.
A graveside service with military honors will take place at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Sutherland Avenue entrance, with Pastor Glenn Taylor as the eulogist. A white dove release will conclude the service. During this time, we will remain in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order No. 17 (COVID-19).
Flowers can be delivered to the church on the morning of the walkthrough. Service will be live-streamed at Facebook.com/ Pug FullerVideo. Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD, 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com.