John Russell Woodard, 78, died Thursday, March 7, 2019 in Dalton, Georgia.  He was born Aug. 18, 1940 in Cooter, MO to the late Tom & Vonnie (Bradfield) Woodard.  A long-time resident of this area he was an active member of Shady Acres Church of Christ;  he had been a church bus driver, former Deacon, and had served on many other boards and activities.  He had also been active in the men's bowling league and his hobby was Working!  He had been the owner and operator of Woodard Distributing.  On June 3, 1960 he married Mary Jane Ballard in Bell City and she preceded him in death Aug. 17, 2015.  Survivors include 2 sons and 1 daughter-in-law;  Kenny & Tina Woodard of Sikeston and John
Woodard, Jr. also of Sikeston;  1 daughter, Karen Guevara of Kwajalein Islands; and 1 special long-time friend, Anita Ballard.  Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Jenna Jones of South Carolina, Jamie Woodard of Sikeston, Brittney Pantfoeder of Nebraska, Jon Carlos Guevara of Sikeston and Matthew Woodard of Arizona; 6 great-grandchildren also survive.  He was preceded in death by 1 brother, Albert Woodard and 1 sister, Julia Mae White.  Visitation will be at Blanchard Funeral Chapel Tuesday, March 12 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM.  Funeral services will be held in the chapel Wednesday at 10:30 am with Keith Olbricht, minister of Shady Acres Church of Christ officiating and he will be assisted by James Price.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Blanchard Funeral Chapel.  Pallbearers will be Charles Ulmer, James Price, Marion Pearson, James Morgan, Chester Bell, Billy Littleton, Cole Smith and Pete Nuthak.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at blanchardfuneral.com.