Robert "Pete" Fisher Woodruff

Robert "Pete" Fisher Woodruff, 84, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on November 3, 2025, with his wife and son by his side.

Born on May 2, 1941, in Hamilton, Ohio, Pete lived a life defined by devotion - to his family, his country, and every community he joined. Pete served twenty years on active duty in the United States Army, retiring at the rank of Major. Early in his career, he was posted to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) in Washington, D.C., and earned the rare distinction of serving as both a Sentinel and Relief Commander at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from 1964 to 1966. After his service at the Tomb and completion of Officer Candidate School, he undertook two tours in Vietnam - first as an infantry company commander and later as an Army aviator flying helicopters. Among numerous awards and decorations, he received the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and three Oak Leaf Clusters for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat.

After returning home from his second Vietnam tour, Pete completed his degree at The Ohio State University while on Army bootstrap assignment. His later military posts included assignments at the Pentagon with the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Military Command Center, and with the U.S. Army Safety Center at Fort Rucker in Enterprise, Alabama.

Following his military retirement, Pete and his family settled in Marietta, where he spent fifteen years as a safety engineer with Lockheed. Pete's interests and leadership extended far beyond his professional life. While still in the military, he raced with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) in his Datsun 240Z and Formula Vee (a single-seater, open-wheel race car), often alongside his wife, Marie. His passion for motorcycles grew into a lifelong dedication to rider safety and education. He was instrumental in developing the U.S. Army's motorcycle safety and testing program and was honored with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's John E. Harley Memorial Award in 1983 for his contributions to motorcycle safety nationwide. He continued this work through the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA), where he founded a local chapter in Marietta and later served as National Director of Rider Education, teaching and having an impact on thousands of riders across the country.

Pete was also a proud and active member of The American Legion for many years, serving for a time as Adjutant and then Commander of Post 29 in Marietta, in addition to leadership roles at the district, state, and national levels.

A devoted family man, Pete cherished his role as husband, father, and "Papa." He is survived by his loving wife, Marie Woodruff; his son, Jonathan Woodruff, and daughter-in-law, Erin O'Leary Woodruff; his granddaughter, Josephine Woodruff; and his brother, John Woodruff. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. Fred and Helen Woodruff.

Pete will be remembered for his kindness, humility, quick wit, and unwavering integrity - a man who lived by example and taught others to do the same.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia, on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service following at 11:00 a.m.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in recognition of Pete's service to his country and fellow man. Donations can be made online at t2t.org.

Online condolences and words of remembrance may be made at www.mayeswardobbins.com

Mayes Ward Dobbins, Historic Marietta Chapel, 180 Church Street NE, Marietta, GA 30060. 770.428.1511.