Jul
25
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Newcomer Funeral Home, Southern Indiana
3309 Ballard Ln, New Albany, IN 47150
Send FlowersJul
25
12:00 p.m.
Newcomer Funeral Home, Southern Indiana
3309 Ballard Ln, New Albany, IN 47150
Send FlowersServices provided by
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Southern Indiana ChapelOnly 3 days left for delivery to next service.
Jesse Owens Woodard, passed away on July 18, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on March 21, 1937, in Russellville, Kentucky, Jesse's life was characterized by a commitment to service, both in his family and his community.
Jesse dedicated much of his professional life to the New Albany Fire Department, where he worked as a firefighter and rose to the rank of captain before retiring in 1999. His bravery and dedication to protecting others earned him the respect of his peers and the gratitude of those he served. In addition to his firefighting career, Jesse was a proud veteran of the United States Army, reflecting a lifelong commitment to his country.
Jesse is survived by his beloved wife, Viola Woodard, with whom he shared 30 years of love and partnership. He is also survived by his sons, Jeffrey (Rosita) Woodard and Bryan Woodard; step-children, Jacquelyn Betts (Tracy), Anthony White, and Amanda White. Jesse’s legacy continues through his 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored deeply.
He will be remembered fondly for the joy he brought to those around him, his strength of character, and his unwavering dedication to family and community. Jesse's passing leaves a heartfelt void, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Woodard and Helen Brown Woodard; his step-son, Freddy White III; his grandson, Seth Woodard; and his sister, Georgia Snadon.
As we honor Jesse Owens Woodard, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by love, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany). His Funeral Service will be at 12:00 pm on Friday, at the funeral home with burial to follow at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park in New Albany.
Please consider sharing a memory of Jesse or leaving a special message for his family by completing the online Guestbook below.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, IN 47150
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreJul
25
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Newcomer Funeral Home, Southern Indiana
3309 Ballard Ln, New Albany, IN 47150
Send FlowersJul
25
12:00 p.m.
Newcomer Funeral Home, Southern Indiana
3309 Ballard Ln, New Albany, IN 47150
Send FlowersServices provided by
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Southern Indiana ChapelOnly 3 days left for delivery to next service.