Aaron Everitt "Woody" Woodfin

1927 - 2016

Aaron Everitt "Woody" Woodfin went to his heavenly home on February 4, 2016, after a lengthy illness. He was at home surrounded by loving family.

Woody was born on March 27, 1927 in Amarillo, Texas to Arie and Maybel Woodfin of Needmore, Texas. He was raised in Needmore and attended school, 10 miles away, in Muleshoe, Texas. At age 17 he left school and joined the Navy where he served as a Gunner's Mate on many different landing ships. During World War II he played baseball with the South-Pacific All-Stars in Guam.

After 37 years of employment, Woody retired from Texaco in Eunice, New Mexico. After retiring he moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico in 1988, where he met and married his wife of 28 years, Helen K. Woodfin.

A man with many interests Woody also worked as a real estate broker with Lakewood Realty in Hobbs (16 years); Century 21 and Starr Realty in Ruidoso (5 years).

An avid sportsman he loved to fish and hunt. In fact, from 1987 to 2004 he had a 35-foot fishing boat in Homer, Alaska and made many trips fishing for halibut and salmon.

In 1997 at age 70 he won the Cree Meadows Golf Championship. Playing dominoes and golf at Cree were two of his favorite pastimes. Later years, he spent time playing poker at The Inn of the Mountain Gods. Another favorite hobby he loved feeding his hummingbirds and other birds in his back yard.

A member of First Christian Church in Ruidoso for 28 years, he served on the Diaconate and loved his Sunday school class. Earlier in his life he was a Deacon in the First Assembly of God Church in Hobbs, New Mexico, where he taught Sunday school and served as church treasurer.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife of 38 years, Christine.

He is survived by his wife Helen K. Woodfin of Ruidoso, New Mexico; his sister Faye W. Kelton of Keller, Texas; his children Jimmy Woodfin and wife Linda of Hobbs, New Mexico, Judge Theresa L. Kilgore and husband Bruce Rieger of Woodland Park, Colorado, Jean K. Givens and husband William E. Givens of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and John D. Kilgore and wife Tanya of Odenton, Maryland. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, 28 nieces and nephews, plus many beloved family and friends.

As the loving anchor of the family, Woody was the shining light in all of our lives. He will be missed by many.

The Celebration of his Life will be held at First Christian Church in Ruidoso, New Mexico on the 26th of February 2016 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Christian Church Memorial Prayer Garden Ruidoso, New Mexico or Hospice and Home Care of Ruidoso.