Goodloe "Woody" "Buddy" Rodgers

1932 - 2017

Goodloe "Woody" "Buddy" Rodgers, born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, on April 18, 1932, died in St. Augustine, Florida, on Dec. 4, 2017. Woody was the youngest of three brothers. He grew up in Brownsville, a small town in Pennsylvania. His desire to see more of the world and experience life inspired him to enlist in the United States Marine Corp. Parris Island transformed him from Goody Rodgers to Woody Rodgers. Camp Lejeune prepared him to defend our country in the Korean War. He returned to the United States and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. His oldest brother Joseph and his wife Evie set Woody up on a blind date. She was a lovely young teacher named Winnie. He was late for the date and showed up in a horrible hat, but Wanda took a gamble and went on the date. That date turned into a lifetime spent together. They were best friends. They were married Aug. 24, 1957. Winnie encouraged Woody to go to college. He worked, refereed games, and took classes. He graduated from Baldwin Wallace College with Winnie and their son, Scott Frank Rodgers cheering him on. He became a physical education teacher at the Cleveland Public Schools' Nathan Hale High School. In addition, he worked at Estrabrook Community Center. He taught film star Elka Chase how to play shuffleboard on the Mike Douglas Show. He placed high value on the importance of physical activity, team work, and helping young people find themselves through education and sports. He insisted his athletes wear ties on game day to show their pride inward and outward. Many young men know how to tie a tie, be committed, practice, and try their best due to having Mr. Rodgers as their teacher and/or coach. During this time, Woody and Winnie welcomed to more children into their loving family, Holly Beth and Susan Lynne. Woody earned a Master's Degree from Cleveland State University. He coordinated Cleveland Public School Summer Camps. Innovated the experiential learning experience of taking students from an urban setting and introducing them to outdoor education at Hiram House. Students enjoyed learning in the outdoors, experienced the Underground Railroad, and were given an opportunity to enjoy the peace and serenity of nature.

Camp Koanai was next. Woody brought the Outward-Bound curriculum to Cleveland students. Through this experience students learned to cooperate, trust, and risk in the safe backdrop of nature. This experience earned him an "Environmentalist of the Year Award." The people he worked for, the counselors who worked for him, and the children who experienced the camp admired, respected, and loved Woody. Woody loved being a father to his children, Scott, Holly, and Susan. He was on the sideline to watch Scott play football, came to every dance recital Holly danced at, and never missed a game that Susan cheered at. He instilled the values of honesty, integrity, being humble, and loving one another. He encouraged his children to work hard, honor commitments, and rejoice in spending time with those you love. He was blessed to see all three children marry wonderful people: Scott and Robin; Holly and Mark; Susan and Keith. They all loved and honored Woody.

Retirement to St. Augustine brought Winnie and Woody to a new chapter in their life. They created a beach house where all were welcome. The happy retired couple could be found cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars in their season ticket seats. They loved being together, walking on the beach, and enjoying a new-found freedom to travel, scuba dive, or just have quiet moments together. Buddy reconnected with his Marine Corp League in St. Augustine. He took on the role as chaplain, help organize Toys for Tots, built homes for Wounded Warriors, and helped young veterans find peace and comfort.

During this time, Woody evolved into Buddy. The best grandfather any child could hope for. He wore a tie the day Spencer was born, and his daughter Susan asked why? He responded, "I am going to meet my first grandson." Buddy rejoiced at the births of Madeline, Lauren, Josie, and Juliette. He dug holes at the beach, built sandcastles, rocked, read, hugged, soothed tears, shared laughs, and sang to each one. He attended graduations from high schools, and college. He watched them swim, run, play football, and cheer. He loved every minute spent with his grandchildren, as much as they loved being with him. The memories made together are a warm balm during this time of grief. Goodloe, Goody, Woody, Buddy made a quiet powerful mark on this world. He loved his wife, his children, grandchildren, and sweet little dogs-Caesar, Perry, Rambo, and Teddy. Because we knew him we have been changed for good.

Memorial services with military honors will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be sent to Marines of Long Ago" c/o Jim Bellamy: 152 Grey Hawk Drive, St. Augustine, Florida 32092.

Arrangements are under the care of St Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory.