Gerald O. “Woody” Woodlief, 87, of Salem, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at his home. He was born in Kittrell, N.C. on Friday, September 12, 1930.

Woody was employed at Rowe Furniture for 45 years until his retirement. He started working on the upholstery line and worked his way to Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, served on the Board of Directors, and was an officer of the corporation.

He was an avid tennis player for 60 years until his knees said “no more,” and then switched to golf. He enjoyed hunting, and loved doing projects including building his cabin.

Preceding him in death were his parents, R. Kirkland and Susie Van Dyke Woodlief; brother, Kirk Woodlief, Jr.; son-in-law, Tony Williams; and a grandson, Allyn Riddle.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Joyce Carpenter Woodlief; sister, Sylvia Woodlief of Columbia, S.C.; children, Lynn Williams and husband, Steve, of Montana, and Sue Williams of Salem; step-children, Malinda Turner of Salem, Rick Allred and wife, Rebekah, of Boones Mill, Felicia Allred of Copper Hill, and Allyson Riddle-Owens and husband, James, of Union Hall; grandchildren, Chas McMillion and husband, Stan, of Salem, Jessica Saxten and husband, Jack, of Montana, Seth Williams of Montana, Sid Williams of Salem, Aaron Williams and wife, Rebecca, of Salem, Mandy Vinson and husband, Mike, of Montana, Kelsey Williams of Montana, Austin Riddle of Rocky Mount, Dr. Brent Turner of Philadelphia, and Aaron and Ethan Turner of Roanoke; and 5 great-granddaughters.

His family extends special thanks to his doctors, Roy Habib and Mark Currie and their staff as well as Good Samaritan Hospice and Angie Layne for the kindness and loving care.

Family members and friends may gather from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018, at New Life Presbyterian Church located at 101 Keesling Avenue in Salem, Va. 24153. A Celebration of Life service will then begin at 6 p.m. with Pastor Cameron Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the church’s Property Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

Woody’s love for the Lord, his family, and his church family was very special and apparent. He served his church as Elder, handyman, and in every way he was needed. He was a loving husband, father, and friend to all.

And from his wife, “You were a Godly man, kind and tender. You were the joy of my life, my sweet husband. I am comforted to know that you are in the arms of our Lord watching over us all. Thank you for the many years of love and happiness you gave me. You will be missed by so many. We will see each other again in Paradise.”

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of Life.” Revelation 2:10