John M Woodring

I was not yet in first grade when my parents moved to St. Louis. My Aunt Judy was my mom’s (Betty) youngest sister. We lived on a rural farm in Mattoon, KY. Aunt Judy and Uncle John were recently married and they came to visit us on the farm. Uncle John gave all the kids piggy back rides in the front yard until he was exhausted. It was one of my fondest memories of our new uncle. I also remember visiting thier house after we had moved. They had a party line phone that rang and I wandered why they didn’t answer it, and Aunt Judy said it wasn’t their ring??? They had a barn with a wooden fence that we would climb to watch in wonderment of several very large pigs in the lot. RIP uncle John. Peace and love to Aunt Judy and all the family.

For many years, I had the privilege of working with Judy—first as my coach, then as my boss and mentor—and along the way, I was lucky enough to get to know John. I’ll always remember his sharp wit, calm presence, and his ability to tell a good story. As our family grew and we had children of our own, Judy and John naturally stepped into the role of honorary grandparents to our boys. We have so many memories: Pop taking them to Culver’s, letting them drive his truck around the field behind their house, and even taking care of them when they were too sick to go to school. He and Gran loved them like their own grandchildren, and for that, we’ll be forever thankful.

Uncle John was my original example of a man’s man, a quiet guy in cowboy boots with a killer wit who always made us feel like the most important kids in the world. As their little cousin, Matt and Mike were my heroes growing up… and John was their hero, so I looked at him in awe. I always looked forward to summers and holidays at the Woodring farm in Union County, seeing my mom, John, Shelby and David all cracking each other up, and especially enjoying their banter with their parents. Such wonderful memories. Aunt Judy, Matt, Anna, Mike, Taylor, Josh, John and Kate, you all have our love and deepest condolences.

Aunt Judy there are no words to say that will fill the void of John’s passing. 59 yrs together says it all. I love you and I’m sending prayers and hugs. John was a super nice person. Rest in peace Uncle John

I don’t even have the words to express how deeply I’ll miss this man. He showed up for every softball game, every milestone, every important moment in my life—without me ever having to ask. He always knew how to make everyone laugh with his quick wit and wild one-liners. I’ll miss the way he’d show up with donuts for the girls randomly throughout the week, just because. I’ll miss him staying awhile just to sit and talk, because somehow he always made time feel like it slowed down.
I’m so grateful I got to be by his side as he took his final breath—and even more grateful that he passed so peacefully.
I love you forever, Pop. I know you’re in Heaven, rocking the sickest cowboy boots and making everyone laugh already.

So sorry to get this news. I just posted a picture of the 1965 Pledge Class of AX at Western. A lot of good memories of those early days. Prayers to the family during this time.

Pop was such a light to all who knew him! I’m grateful to have witnessed his constant presence, support, and love in his granddaughters life. Through Taylor, I got to have a friend in Pop. He will be deeply missed. May we all strive to live a life like Pop’s! Sending all my love and prayers to Gran, Mike, Taylor and the rest of the family.

Oh Pop….what a wonderful example of love you’ve left all of us to follow. I’ll never forget your faithfulness to TRae as you and Gran showed up to all those college games with smiles on your faces and encouragement for all. Thank you for being part of my life and thank you for sharing your girl with me. I’ll love her forever, just like you did.

I have such fond memories of John driving our high school drama team to tournaments all over the state and country. He was such a kind and good man. Judy guided my young life and helped me to the career I was so blessed to enjoy for years. I know she loved John and I hope is comforted by the love he left behind. God Bless the entire family.

I can still remember meeting John! His smile and amazing eyes were just two of his many qualities that I can hold dear to my heart!❤️ Since Judy and I had many occasions to be together, John became a part of my life too. One special memory is one where John taught my son a valuable lesson: never “bite off more than you can chew!” I am sure my son still remembers this moment too! I will miss him even though I didn’t get to see him often. My last time seeing him was when he showed Jerry and me the new home in Mt. Juliet. He seemed so proud of it! Thanks for allowing me one last visit with Pop!

So sorry to learn of his passing. John and Judy were cherished neighbors for years before they relocated across town. John was a special human being....special in so many ways. Kindness was at the top of the list, followed by a sharp wit. We shared many laughs with him. I'm reminded of the truck bed full of parachute straps that he purchased at an auction (?)..."what a bargain"!!...remember that Judy?
Bottom line...friends like that, if only for a brief moment in time, are rare. We loved you John.

Karen and Chuck Henrickson

We are so saddened to hear of John's passing. He was a treasure to work with at Trace Die Cast. We enjoyed his stopping in to visit after he retired too. It was a special treat for us when they moved to Plano. Naomi is now 21, but he would bring her ice cream when she was little and she new that Mr. John was very special and always had a hug for him when she saw him. I know that my dad, Dale Tucker, enjoyed visiting with John at the Plano Store. His good nature and smile will be missed by all who knew him. Heaven definitely gained an angel. We will be keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Trying to think of one good memory of John Woodring is impossible because there were too many. I met John, known and loved as Pop, through his wife Judy. He was such a good man without a mean bone in his body. However, you could see how Matt would question where this guy was when Mike and he were growing up. Pop always has a humorous story to tell or uncanny reaction to certain things that was “just excellent, just excellent”. To know him was to love him and on that if I’m lying, I’m flying and I aint got no wings. For sure Pop has his wings and until we meet again, I am so glad I had the chance to know and love him. The world is little less bright without John’s signature humor and charm. Until we meet again rest in heaven, Pop.

It broke my heart when I saw your post. You have all been so special to me. John was one of the nicest people I have ever known. He always had such a big smile and heart. We both loved Pepsi when I lived in Sturgis, mother would have been so mad that it wasn’t diet!
He would stop by and see us in Russellville and we always loved his visits.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all so much, Sharon

July 25, 2025

So sorry for your loss of John. I Haven't seen him since our last Woodring Reunion. I know you have wonderful memories of
your many blessed years together. May God bless all of your
family.
.

I am so sorry for your loss John will be missed
He was one of my best friend on Robin Hood trail
You all will be in or prayers 🙏🏻

We are so sorry to learn of John’s passing. Union County friends hold a special place in our hearts!

Judy, Matt, Mike and family,

Sorry to hear the passing of John. What a great man he was to us and others. We are so very blessed that God sent us to Union County to teach and for Mark to cross paths with Judy at Union County High School. As their friendship grew so did ours, as 2 families. Judy and John stepped up and took us under their wings as part of their family and loved on our daughter, Alecea, as their own. Judy said she had 2 boys but needed a little girl, so it went from there. Alecea looked up to Matt and Mike as 2 big brothers she didn’t have. We did not see the joker side of John but the love and compassion he had for others. We needed to move back home to Hart County after 4 years and then we crossed paths again in 11 years later. There again the Woodring’s helped Alecea again in the Jr Miss competition. Alecea and Judy again WKU campus. Mark and Matt at Lowes either daily of weekly. Checking in on his parents often.
John now is at rest after the journey with cancer and in the presence of Jesus who gave John the gift of love and compassion. See you soon John and be an angel from heaven for your dear family in the days to come.

In friendship and love,
The Mark Davis Family

Prayers for Judy and family. John and I were second cousins. I loved going to his country home in Pride when we were small. His mom and Dad were such sweet people.
He will surely be missed. 🙏🏻

John “Pop” Woodring, my father in law, lived a life full of love, friends, and family❤️ he never met a stranger! I want thank him for all the years of love and support with speech tournaments/practice, welcoming so many college students/friends, choir performances, so many plays/musical performances, ball games, family dinners, hanging out at the Plano store with your grandkids, farming, graduations,& weddings! Always there for us. You are one in a million and we will all miss you so much.. so many memories of your kindness, jokes and your laughter! Now you can rest🙏🏻Say hello to my dad, Old Cat Cat, & Old Pop Pop❤️

I first met John as a teen at Sturgis High School before the merger. He was 3 years older than me and had a reputation of being a prankster. He was quiet but befriended people easily with his grin and easy manner. I got to know him much better when I married into the Woodring family. He planned to sabotage Shelby from having access to his car for our getaway after all the wedding hoopla. (He may have been seeking a little revenge as well, as I was told he was a key player in John and Judy's wedding. Shelby got involved with talking to someone and lost track of time. He was almost an hour late showing up for John and Judy's wedding with lots of upset people waiting on him.) Shelby had his his car in my Dad's garage and locked it and the garage to avoid paint and just married decor being put on it. So when Shelby and I got to my Dad's garage, we found John's car parked right in front of the garage with no keys in it, and no one around. In his desperation, Shelby noted the cars were similar make, model and year, and carefully tried his car keys in John's car. What a surprise when his keys started John's car! He moved John's car, and got our car out of the garage and off we went! Problem solved! John put a lot of effort in to trying to foul Shelby's plan and could hardly believe what happened, we were told. Lots of laughs over that one! The Woodring family has been a "really fun" family with lots of laughing, and John carried the fun times on into his own family. John was such a good caring man. I have had the utmost respect for John, as he has cared deeply also about others outside of his family. He made efforts to check up on older family members and community folks to ensure they were okay and have a conversation to brighten their day. I will forever remember the good times our families have enjoyed at family meals and children running free exploring and enjoying their cousins. John also has many friends in Union County who have loved him and enjoyed him when he spent many years growing up and living there until his move to Bowling Green. I hope they will respond here to share their feelings.
Judy, Matt, Mike, and all Grandchildren, Siblings, and Spouses, please know that I am hurting, too, with our loss of John. He has carved out a piece of my heart, and I treasure the time we had together. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. God Bless You!

I knew John most of my life. When I moved to Bowling Green, he and Judy were frequent customers at West Ky BBQ, it was always a treat to see other Union Countanians. He will be greatly missed.

To keep a country boy still.

John to friends, Pop to family, and now another eternal child of God in Heaven.

Pop was raised by 2 of the kindest, smartest people to live. They had a heart of gold and instilled that in him from the day he was born.

Pop loved his country, UFC, and all things Western Kentucky University.

I can recall one time when I was about 9 years old, we went to IGA in bowling Green- as we did every time we hung out- and he said I could get one snack. I decided to pick out one of the huge plastic containers of Gummy bears with a big “EBT” sticker on it. This was not your run-of-the-mill gummy bear container. It was hefty. Like, 2 pounds. It had enough gummy bears for a small family, and then some.

When we got to the car, I asked Pop what the “EBT” stood for on the container. He said “Eat Bears Tomorrow,“ and then he said, “And then after tomorrow, you’ll still have some damn bears to eat!”

Man, was he hilarious. Read that story again in his voice.

That became an inside joke of ours for years.

-

His kindness was extended to anyone who ever crossed his path. He never met a stranger. Pop could meet a newborn baby or a person the complete opposite of who he was and still find something in common with them.

Pop loved western movies/tv shows, country music, and his kin. He became a great grandfather to my cousins children and enjoyed every second he had with those 2 girls. In his last months he always mentioned them on the phone to me.

To keep a farmer still is a nightmare. In the days where he was not able to walk anymore and was confined to a chair, I called as often as I could to help him pass the time. I would always ask if anything was new and his life and he always answered, “Not a damn thing.”

Years after both of his parents had passed- Charles and Catherine (whom I get my namesake from)- he always mentioned them in every conversation. And he always called them Momma and Daddy.

He is joined in heaven not only by Charles and Catherine but also his brother, Shelby, his last dog, Biscuit, and countless animals he raised on the farm.

Until we meet again,

Your Katie bug

So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed working with John at the Job Corpy. Praying for all

Where to begin…if I’m naming the top 5 influential families on my life, the Woodrings are in it.

Growing up in rural Union County with Mike Woodring as one of my best friends meant I got to go over to their house often during my elementary and middle school days until they moved to bowling green my freshman year. Mr. Woodring, as I knew him, would take us fishing at Moffits lake, or drop us off down by the creek to let us wander, or gas up the four wheelers so we could take a ride, maybe drive us to Buds Country Corner for a cold drink, or tell us to go to bed when he got home late from work in the coal mines. The best thing ever was the rope swing on this huge tree by their house that would swing you out over a ravine……awesome.

Thank you Mr. Woodring and the Woodring family.

Also, my love of Mt Dew largely comes from Mr. Woodring. Love you guys.

We are so sorry to hear of Pop’s passing. Ms Judy, Mike, T-Ray and the rest of his family and friends, we extend our deepest condolences. You are all in our hearts and prayers.

Coach Joe & Luann

Judy, so sorry to hear about John ! My love & prayers are with you & all the family 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

Sorry to hear of Johns passing. My favorite memory was him, his siblings and parents at the Woodring family reunions. When we were young, they were something. So many aunts, uncles, cousins and our great grandma. Oh, I can't forget the food. Wonderful home cooking. My grandma Thelma will be pinching and sharing a laugh with him. She went home to Ky and the homeplace every Christmas. Precious memories. We have more family in heaven than here and I look forward to the reunion. What a great heritage. May his memory always be a blessing.

What an amazing man Pop was! Audreyanne, McKinleigh and I were honored to have been a small part of both Judy and Pop's life. May God continue to bless your family with memories and stories that will last a lifetime. Pop lived a life of love for his family, and friends, especially his "softball family".
Love, Leighanne

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace for you and your family 🙏🙏

I never will forget how funny and hospitable John was at our WKU Forensics Christmas parties back in the late’80s/early’90s. Judy and family: Praying for all of you during this difficult time.

He was the best role model for Taylor and always there for her no matter what. Very grateful to him for all he contributed to her and everyone he was around. Sending prayers of comfort for your family. So sorry to hear this.

Aunt Judy, my heart is breaking for you. I have so many memories of Uncle John, as you and he pretty much raised me. Mike and I were more like siblings than cousins. Getting in to his truck and having to push all the Mt. Dew bottles out of the way. I could go on and on. I always felt that he was one of the greatest men on this earth. God broke the mold when they created him. You , Matt and Mike are in my prayers. Love, Susan Beth

Anyone who played softball with T-Rae knew of this great man and was surly made better for it. I remember staying in Bowling Green and walking around the farm to feed the animals with him. Gran, Mike, and Taylor, I love y’all so much and I’m sending you my love. Rest in peace Pop!

He always treated Taylor’s friends like they were family. Shelby loved staying with Pop and Gran! Every time I saw him, he made me feel like he was genuinely happy to see me, even in the end when he was sick. He was a good man. Love and prayers from our family.

Aunt Judy,
So sorry to learn of John's passing.
Condolences to you, Matt, and Mike.
❤️
Debbie

Judy I’m so sorry to read this! Loved John I’ll never forget him stopping with head gear to protect my hearing while I was mowing, what a caring soul! He was always such a friendly person! May God continue to give you and family the joyous memories that you got to share! RIP John

My dearest Judy, my heart is filled with much sadness upon hearing about the passing of John. My deepest condolences to you and your family. He was a special man. I love you and miss you. I will be praying for you in the days and weeks ahead.

My condolences to you and your family, Aunt Judy. May you find comfort in your memories.