Charles Woodall

Charles D. Woodall was a soft-spoken man with a big heart. He was not someone consumed by material gains in life but by the satisfaction of putting his family first and doing the best job he could with whatever task was at hand.

Born on November 20, 1918, the same month that World War I ended in Europe, Charles Darwin Woodall entered a world of turmoil and uncertainty. The son of Joseph and Letitia (Jackson) Woodall, Charles was born in Manlius Township, Michigan, the sixth of nine children. His father worked as manager of the Felt Farm south of Holland for ten years, where they raised crops. Although times were hard deep in the throes of the Great Depression, the farm was technologically ahead of its time as windmills were used to generate electricity for the basic necessities of farm life. Close by, there was even a bear den for those who were brave enough to stick around.

As a child, Charles attended Gibson Elementary School and, like many young boys of the time, spent much of his leisure time hunting with his brothers and fishing. One of his favorite childhood stories was how he and his buddy would skip school and spend the day swimming at Gilligan’s Lake. Charles quit school after the seventh grade, and went to work at a W.P.A. camp in the Bay City area. He didn’t like the camp much because it was too far away from home. Soon, Charles, along with his four brothers, answered the call to duty and enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve during World War II. Sadly, his brother Don died in action at the age of nineteen. While serving in the South Pacific, Charles found out that his brother was also fighting on the same island and, amazingly, they managed to find each other.

One day after his honorable discharge, Charles and his brother were out boating on the Kalamazoo River and a wonderful thing happened – he met his future wife Virginia, who was also boating with a friend. Somehow their paths crossed that day and they began dating. Charles and Virginia were happily married on September 11, 1948, at the Grace Episcopal Church in Holland. After saying “I do”, the newlyweds started a home in Holland on 22nd Street and Van Raalte, and a family complete with three children: Kathy, Ryan and Larry.

During this time, Charles supported the family by working for Chris Craft for forty years and painting houses on the side. A “tinkerer” by nature, Charles absolutely loved working in his sawmill behind the house. He could fix just about anything, but especially enjoyed restoring his old Ford tractor, which he was always trying to find parts for. The time spent fixing his tractor and childhood memories at the Felt farm were some of the happiest moments in Charles’ life.

As was apparent from his pleasant demeanor, Charles enjoyed the simple things in life. He valued nothing more than spending time with his wife and children. While the children were still at home, the family took many memorable vacations, renting a cottage or going to Florida, where Charles loved to take his kids fishing. In the wintertime, Charles’ son fondly recalls how his father made snow mounds for the kids to play and sled on. Sadly, Charles lost his beloved wife, Virginia, in 1971 to leukemia. With the love and support of his family, he persevered through this difficult time.

Charles later met his friend and companion, Anne Raad. After his retirement, they traveled to places like South Africa, Holland, Europe and Florida, but they always looked forward to getting back home again. Charles was also a member of the Holland V.F.W. Post #2144 and a sixty-year member of the American Legion Post of Saugatuck.

Charles made his family his first priority and put their needs before his own. He was a man who desired little and was quite content in relaxing within the comforts of his own home. Charles found happiness in many things, but nothing delighted him as much as spending time with his family and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Charles Darwin Woodall of Holland, MI, died on Sunday, November 14, 2004, at the Heartland Health Care of Holland. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Woodall. Charles’ family includes his children: Kathy (Steven) Potokar of Holland, Ryan Woodall of Holland, and Larry (Shelly) Woodall of Holland; daughter-in-law, Randy Woodall, of Holland; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Woodall, of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

A Life Story service will be held on Wednesday, November 17, at 1:00 p.m. at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 29 East 9th Street, Holland, MI, with Rev. Julie Cowie officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Friends may spend time with Charles’ family on Tuesday, November 16, from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit Charles’ personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, order flowers or make a memory contribution in his memory.