Shrewsbury , Massachusetts
1933 - 2005
SHREWSBURY- William G. Woodfin, 71, of 4 Garfield Avenue, Shrewsbury died Thursday, October 6th in UMASS Memorial Medical Center-University Campus after a long illness.
He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on November 28, 1933, son of the late W. Wallace and Ophelia M. (Frazier) Woodfin. He is survived by his loving wife of thirty eight years, Doris B. (Blaisdell) Woodfin; his daughter, Jennifer M. Woodfin and her partner, Jennifer S. Sheffield of Philadelphia; two sons, William J. Woodfin of Worcester and Dean P. Woodfin of Shrewsbury; two brothers, Samuel U. Woodfin and Raymond S. Woodfin both of Knoxville; also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Mr. Woodfin served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and later in the U.S. Army Reserves. William was a graduate of Austin High School in Knoxville, TN. He received a B.A. degree from Knoxville College, and attended graduate school at Clark University. He then received a Master Degree of History from Northeastern University and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Mr. Woodfin taught history for many years at Forest Grove Junior High, South High School, and Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester before he retired in 1991.
He was a member of the NAACP, the National Educators Association, the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts, and the Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post # 312 in Worcester.
A memorial service for Mr. Woodfin will be held on Thursday, October 13th at 11 A.M. in the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Road, Shrewsbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, 99 Hudson Street, New York, N.Y. 10013 or to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104.
The Woodfin family wishes to offer thanks for the many acts of kindness shown to Mr. Woodfin during his recent stays at area care facilities. The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury is directing arrangements for the Woodfin Family. For online memorial guestbook, please visit, www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.
Mr. Woodfin was the best teacher I have ever had. He was a true inspiration - really challenged us in 8th grade at Forest Grove Jr High (1973), taught us how to debate, and how to think for ourselves.
I think of him every year on MLK day. Rest his soul.
Susan Massad
January 20, 2019 | MA | Student
I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out today about Mr. Woodfin's passing, and I send my sincerest condolences. He was one of the truly greatest teachers that I ever knew, and he was very much loved and respected. He will be truly missed.
Virginia Geoffrion
May 27, 2018 | Huntsville, AL | Student
Dear Nif - our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Take care - Tom (& Amy)
Tom Rhoads
November 02, 2005 | Severna Park, MD
Dear Doris and family. I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I always remember that when I was a brand new very nervous substitute teacher at Forrest Grove Jr. High, Bill very nicely tried to throw me out of the school library as he thought I was a student playing hooky every day. He was very gracious about the whole thing and I was so happy to talk to a friendly face. A year or two later, I met Doris for the first time at our office and I told her of the meeting with Bill which we...
mary parslow
October 27, 2005 | Worcester, MA
Dean & Family,
Pleases accept my deepest sympathy on your father’s passing. He was a wonderful man as well as a dedicated father and teacher. You are in my thoughts as well as in my prayers.
Mercedes Leanna
October 24, 2005 | Laconia, NH
Dear Nif,
We're sorry to hear of your family's loss. He sounds like such a caring father and teacher.
Love,
Debbie & Jason
Debbie Steinig
October 21, 2005 | Baltimore, MD
Dear Nif,
I am sad to hear about your father's passing. I am thinking of you and sending you and your family my love.
Isa Leshko
October 21, 2005 | Salem, MA
Dear Nif:
I am so sorry to hear of our loss. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Karen
Karen Schlechter
October 20, 2005 | Philadelphia, PA
Dear Jennifer,
I send my warmest heartfelt wishes your way. Although I have never met your father I remember the stories you used to share with me about him. It was nice to be able to view his picture and read more about this very special person. My thoughts are with you and your family. -Kathryn
Kathryn Thomas
October 20, 2005 | Philadelphia, PA