of Conway, DE
May 14, 1937 - September 11, 2007
Robert Preston Woodruff, Jr., 70 of Conway, passed away September 11, 2007. Born in Fort Smith, AR on May 14, 1937, he was a son of the late Robert Preston Woodruff, Sr., and Katherine (Hunt) Woodruff. Preston served in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant, and the Arkansas Army Reserve reaching the rank of Captain. Prior to his military service he worked in the family owned business, Woodruff's Cleaners and Laundry, in Fayetteville, while attending the University of Arkansas where he attained a degree in Business and Finance. In 1976 Preston was appointed, by then Governor David Pryor, to the Board of the Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) where he served as Chairman of the Board for twelve years and in 1988 was asked to serve as Executive Director, a position he held until his retirement in 2003. Prior to his service with ASLA he served as Treasurer of Winrock International from 1979 to 1988, which followed his service with the Department of Finance and Administration from 1974 to 1979, as Financial Analyst for the state of Arkansas. Preston also served as Chair of the National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs Capital Formation Committee for three years. In honor of his commitment to provide higher education for the children of Arkansas, ASLA established the Robert Preston Woodruff, Jr. Scholarship. Following his retirement Preston enjoyed volunteering and serving his community while working with the Faulkner County Master Gardeners. Preston will be remembered as a loving husband, father, stepfather and grandfather, who loved his farm, family and friends, and for his 37 years of service to the state of Arkansas.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Ann (Elly) Ellefson Woodruff and children Robert (Trey) Preston Woodruff III and wife Teresa, Ronald Lynn Woodruff, all of Springdale, AR and Fred Garner Woodruff and wife Jessica of Ocean Springs, MS; Mandy Patrick and husband Darren of Greenbrier, AR; a stepdaughter Laura Hollingsworth and husband Gary of Minden, LA; a stepson Bryan Cabell and wife Teri of Rogers, AR; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a brother Ronald Woodruff and wife Marsha of Fayetteville; a sister Kay Holt and husband Bobby of Freeport, TX and many loving friends and associates.
A gathering of remembrance will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, September 16, at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, with Minister Mike Smith presiding. The family will host a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the P.A.R.K. Foundation (Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids) http://www.positivekids.org/ParkHome.html in LittleRock, AR.
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49 Condolence(s)
Fred Woodruff
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Dad,
You touched so many lives.
It's hard to believe you've been gone for 12 years already. You are so missed. I love you.
Fred
Stofft, Bill and Pat
Saturday, September 27, 2014
We just found about Junie's death. We knew him in Gelnhausen, Germany in 1960. He was in our wedding there on the 19th of October, 1960. He and Bill were proud members of the 33rd Armor, 3rd Armored Division. He taught us to say "Sooooooooie Pig" for his beloved Razorbacks. We still have some Raazorback shirts, trays, cards, etc. as well as some coat hangers that say "Woodruff Cleaners". He was a dear man and a wonderful friend.
Mandy Woodruff
Monday, March 10, 2008
Grandaddy, I am sorry it took me so long to write in the guestbook, but I always thought that you would always be around and I would never have to do this. I love you and I pray that you know that. My dream is to be atleast half the person you were. You are amazing. I also pray that everyone who knew Preston knows that he only knew how to care with his whole heart.
Bill Alexander
Thursday, September 20, 2007
I am deeply saddened for your loss but know that your heavy hearts will be lifted when you think of all of the proud, and loving moments that you shared with him. I only had the pleasure of meeting him for a week when I was working for ASLA on behalf of Edfinancial but I enjoyed meeting and talking with him. My prayers are with you.
LaTasha Braggs
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Elly, May God Bless and keep your family. Ervin & LaTasha Braggs(Former ASLA employee)
Debbie Peyton
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Preston was a very special person, and he will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
Rose Brooke
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I am so blessed to have known Preston, Elly and the family for the past 19 years. You all hold a very special place in my heart and I will cherish the memories always. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers always ~
Cindy Ellis
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
It was very sad to hear of Preston's passing. I worked with him for several years at Winrock International and truelly enjoyed working with him. He was a very kind and special person.
Mark Conine
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Every now and then, a person comes along who commits their life to serving others. Preston was one of these people. We can all learn something from his life of serving others. We will miss you, Preston.
Billy Houston
Monday, September 17, 2007
Preston was just one of those great indidviduals you get to know in life and you always looked upon as your encounters with him as uplifting. He was one that always thought of others first, especially the kids of Arkansas. He will be missed by many.
LeeAnn Foster
Monday, September 17, 2007
Elly: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Preston did SO much good for so many of us. It was my pleasure to have known him. God bless you today and always! Love, LeeAnn Foster (Edfinancial Services)
Stacey Brown Evans
Monday, September 17, 2007
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Preston during the initial 6 months of our strategic alliance with ASLA. I came to appreciate Preston's passion for the students of Arkansas and his sincere approach to assisting them. The love he displayed for the students was exemplified in his child-like excitement at the scholarship giveaways. I believe that God strategically places people in our lives for a reason and Preston's influence stands firm in my heart of the passion he had for helping students. We'll miss him and I pray that God provides Elly and the entire family with comfort and peace at this time!
Tamika Edwards
Monday, September 17, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy Beaty
Monday, September 17, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Chris McCollum
Monday, September 17, 2007
I will keep you in my Prayers Elle.
Robin Morris & Family
Monday, September 17, 2007
Just to let you you are in our thoughts and prayers. Robin
Roger and Coni Kubli
Sunday, September 16, 2007
We wish to extend our deepest condolences for your loss.
Lena and Jon Priest
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, Dr. Elle. With love, Lena Priest
Guy & Ellen Brown
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Ellen was so proud when I told her about your help for Fayetteville's Woodruff family. You made them so very proud. Those of us who knew you, knew that their pride was well deserved, especially from Ron and Kaycille. We wish our best to you.......not only as a fine person but as a honored citizen of Arkansas.
Sharon Kay LaCook
Sunday, September 16, 2007
With my deepest sympathy
Hazel LaCook & family
Sunday, September 16, 2007
With my deepest sympathy
Angie Benton
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Dr. Elly, Just wanted you to know your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Angie
Ronnie & Della Nichoalds
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Elly and family, our prayer is for God to fill your heart with His love and peace as He guides you in this time or both sorrow and eternal hope. Preston will be missed but not forgotten. Ronnie & Della Nichoalds
Bill Bethea
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Preston was always an amazing person. He had that big bear hug look but was always there with a word of advice and friendship. He was extremey intelligent and caring. Preston was a great match for his wife and they were a great team. He made a difference in this world
Joey Palmer Family
Sunday, September 16, 2007
He was a very good man that will be missed by all that knew him.
Anne C. Thomas
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Preston was the big highschool footbal player and I was a 3 year old mascot for the cheerleaders. I will never forget how kind Preston was, then and later years. I will always remeber him and his family as a big part of the Fayetteville I grew up in. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fondly, Anne Thomas
John & Sherry Albert
Saturday, September 15, 2007
My Dearest Ellie, our thoughts and prayers are with you . You are so blessed to have Family around you at this time. Hold them tight and never let go. God knows what a wonderful husband he was to you Ellie!!!!!!
Vola Brinkley
Saturday, September 15, 2007
My deep sympathy to Ely and to my grandson Fred and his family in the loss of Preston. We have many wonderful memories of his generosity and kindness. God Bless you all..Vola.....(Jessie's nanie)
Corey D. Welch
Saturday, September 15, 2007
God Bless you all and you are in my prayers. Sincerely, Corey D. Welch
Carla Choate
Friday, September 14, 2007
Dr. Elly, I've been remembering getting to meet your husband and his delight and interest in my student who received the Woodruff scholarship. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Carla Choate
Vernon Eagan
Friday, September 14, 2007
Dear Ann and children, I am so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. I had the privilege of working with Preston for many years in the Student Loan Industry and he will be truly missed. He had a genuine interest in assisting underpriviledged young people who were striving to get an education. He made a difference in many lives in Arkansas for which you can be proud. Our prayers are with you and your family as you adjust to his absence. Vernon Eagan, (former General Manager of Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund, Inc.)
Shelli Jordan
Friday, September 14, 2007
Preston was a kind man with a generous soul. His commitment to the education of the young people of Arkansas was legendary. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Issac McBride
Friday, September 14, 2007
Preston Woodruff was a good man to work for and work with. He has a very precious wife and family. My prayers are with you and your Family Mrs. Woodruff.
Theresa McDuffee
Friday, September 14, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Preston leaves a legacy to be very proud of. His good works and memory will live on...
Michele Allgood
Friday, September 14, 2007
Preston was a wonderful person, and I feel blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jennifer Fuller
Friday, September 14, 2007
Dr. Elly & family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you. Jennifer
Scott Cabell & Family
Friday, September 14, 2007
Dearest Elly & Family, We love you all so very much. Preston was and always will be a very special man to us. Please know he will live on through all he symbolized and stood for: love of family, the beauty of nature, hard work, kindness and understanding. We keep you close to our hearts and in our prayers always. Scott, Christina, Evan and Catie Cabell
Theresa Robertson
Friday, September 14, 2007
The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Calline & Homer Ellis
Friday, September 14, 2007
Dear Elly and family, We are so sorry for your loss. All of Preston's involvements, services and accomplishments remind us that he made this world a better place for us all. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Calline & Homer
Kerri Padgett
Friday, September 14, 2007
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Rev Dr Charles & Mary Coleman
Friday, September 14, 2007
You will always be in our heart and mind. Thank God he allowed you to pass this way to make a differance in all of us and to the family how blessed you are that Preston, visited this planet.
Lane Smith
Friday, September 14, 2007
Elly - Kate and I will always cherish the meals and time we shared with you and Preston last fall at the ASLA Board Retreat on Mount Magazine. The two of you made both of us feel so welcome from the minute we joined the ASLA family. We love you and are praying for you and your family. May God bless you and cover you with His blanket of comfort. Lane and Kate Smith Arkadelphia
Patsy Harrison
Friday, September 14, 2007
Dear Laura, Gary, & Children, You are in our thoughts and fervent prayers. Place yourself in the hands of Jesus and He will see you through. Trust Him, cast on Him every care and His strong arms will carry you. There is power for the asking and strength for each new day. For His Sake, Patsy & Gary Harrison
Pam Holley
Friday, September 14, 2007
Laura, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Pam
Patsy Harrison
Friday, September 14, 2007
Dear Laura, Gary, & Children, You are in our thoughts and fervent prayers. Place yourself in the hands of Jesus and He will see you through. Trust Him, cast on Him every care and His strong arms will carry you. There is power for the asking and strength for each new day. For His Sake, Patsy & Gary Harrison
Dr. and Mrs. Ernest Stanberry
Friday, September 14, 2007
We were saddened to hear of Preston's untimely passing. Although it has been many years since we last met we always considered him a gentle man and a credit to Preston Sr and Kathryn. Our deepest sympathy.. Ernie and Carol
Betsy Smith
Friday, September 14, 2007
Part of your Vann family wants you to know that my heart is with you at this time.
Molly Jones
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Preston made all the Master Gardener projects he worked on more fun and more successful. I'm so grateful to have met him--and I so wish we could have had him around for a whole lot longer. What a very special person.
Whitney
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Mandy, I am sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.