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Alfred Woodruff Obituary

WOODRUFF Alfred R. 'Big Al' Woodruff, age 72, on December 17, 2008, joined his loving wife Sally and their son Allen in peaceful eternal rest. Loving and proud father of Alfred 'AJ' Woodruff, Michelle Woodruff-Griggs, son-in-law, Patrick L. Griggs. Granddaughter 'his babies' Shelby, Sarah, and Shayna Griggs. Dad, there will always be a hole in our hearts and our lives without you. He was the son of the late Samuel C. and Florina Cooley Woodruff. Brother of the late Samuel 'Tookie' Woodruff and Florina 'Puddin' Schroeder. Survived by his younger brother, Winfield 'Wimpy' Woodruff and his wife Sue. He will also be remembered in the thoughts and prayers of his many other friends and relatives. Alfred was a long time car enthusiast, race car driver and car collector. Alfred started his career in the automotive repair business working for Knot's Automotive owned by Knot Farrington, fondly referred to as 'Boss', his mentor who guided him into opening his own business. Big Al's Auto Service and Big Al's Picture Cars. He was a member of National Hot Rod Association, National Street Rod Association, New Orleans 'A's' - Model A Ford Club and enjoyed going to many Antique and Street Rod affiliated car shows and functions. He had a passion for Mardi Gras and belonged to numerous parade organizations including the Krewe of Zeus, where he reigned as King Zeus XXVII, Krewe of Jason, Krewe of Elks and was Founding Committee Member of the Metairie Irish Italian Parade. He enjoyed meeting family and friends at 'our spot' on Veterans Blvd. for all parades. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Graveside Services at Greenwood Cemetery on Monday, December 22, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. Refreshments will be furnished to celebrated his life after the service at the family residence. To view and sign the Guest Book, please go to www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Dec. 20 to Dec. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Woodruff

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Wilbur & Ruby Menge

December 26, 2008

It is with great sorrow hearing of the loss of "Big Al". Please accept our deepest condolences. Al will be missed by everyone. He was always a cheerful, helpful, friendly person.

Ricky & Flo Bush

December 22, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Woodruff Family. We have fond memories. Sorry we could not attend the services.

Dorothy {Mimmie} Ackerman

December 22, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dawn Brady-Whitney

December 22, 2008

I will never forget Mr. Al. He was an impressive man with many of life's greatest experiences. Mr. Al and Mrs. Sally welcomed me into their family when I dated A.J. for several years. I feel comfort now that I know they both are with Allen. They will be truly missed. My heart and prayers are with A.J., Michelle and the rest of their family and friends. You have my sincerest condolences.

Teri Carstens

December 21, 2008

Goodbye my King. My condolences to the Woodruff family for your loss. I will always have fond memories of the times we spent together. Queen Zeus XXVIII

Bridget Damonte

December 21, 2008

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Henry Carstens

December 21, 2008

So sorry to hear of "Big Al's" passing. Enjoyed the many years with him in Zeus especially the year he was King and Teri was Queen. You will be missed by family and friends.

gwynne schroeder

December 21, 2008

We are sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences are with you and your family. Love and prayers, Gwynne Schroeder

DAN CANTOR

December 20, 2008

Our most sincere condolences on your loss. Big Al was truly a wonderful person and will be missed by all that knew him.
Dan and Joan Cantor

Don Bourgeois

December 20, 2008

Yes Big Al... I remember when you would flag me off at Laplace Dragways in the 50s. You could have at least told them to let me win because of my good looks ! I will miss you for no longer than....FOREVER

Barbara Smith

December 20, 2008

We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. My sister, brother and I remember Al visiting our grandparents (Winfield and Alice Woodruff) on Derbigny st. when we were kids. My father (Winfield C. Woodruff) and brother (Winfield S. Woodruff) attended the drag races back in the day. And my sister (Joanne) still has the old green Marquis from my grandmother that Al fixed a long time ago. Although I did not know Al as well as the rest of my family, I remember how kind and comforting he was to us at our grandmother's funeral (9/03). He will be fondly remembered. Signed with love and sympathy.... Barbara Woodruff Smith, Joanne Woodruff Smith, and Winfield S. Woodruff.

Bobby Pontiff

December 20, 2008

I will always remember the old car stories mr.Al and i shared, and never forget working with him on those mardi gras tractors... He will be missed by many.

Robert Melvin

December 20, 2008

Farewell to a Racer. Our sincerest sympathy to the Woodruff family for the loss of "Big Al". We had to pleasure of knowing and competing with him during the glory days of La Place Dragway. From Warren Barroner (B & B Auto Body & Painting) and Robert Melvin

Anthony & Anna Culotta

December 20, 2008

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Fred Wilbert III

December 20, 2008

Our condolences go out to the Woodruff family. He will be missed more than words can say.

From all of us: The Horseless Carriage Club of New Orleans.

Fred Wilbert III

December 20, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

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