Donnell Woodruff Sr.

Donnell Woodruff Sr., 62, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 27, 2013. He was born July 13, 1951. Donnell was born and raised in Polk County, Ga. He later came to reside in Chattanooga, where he attended Olivet Baptist Church with his family. Donnell graduated from Riverside High School in 1969. He began a career as a Baker at Colonial Bakery for a number of years until he retired. Donnell was extremely talented and began to utilize his talents in accomplishing many jobs such as carpentry, floor laying, etc. Donnell was a man of many hats and excelled in any endeavor that he encountered. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Florence Woodruff; sisters, Thelma L. Cothran and Janice E. Woodruff. He leaves to cherish his loving memories to a devoted and loyal wife, Yvonne Woodruff (Bonnie); son, Donnell Woodruff Jr. (Peanut); daughter, Shemika Woodruff-Black (Nikki), all of Chattanooga; brothers, Rev. Amos Woodruff Jr.; Willie Clifford (Betty) Woodruff, James Edward (Gerald) Woodruff, all of Chattanooga; sisters, Bernice (Gabe) Sinclair, of Cedartown, Ga., Imogene Odom, of Chattanooga, Carrie Nell (Samuel) Robinson, Mary Ann (Melvin) Caldwell, of McDonough, Ga., Ocie M. (Kenneth) Williams, of Harrison; mother-in-law, Lucille Womble; sister-in-law, Kim Petty; 14 grandchildren; first cousin, Louise Bailey, of Carrollton, Ga.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Donnell was loved as a well-known and respected member of the community and will never be forgotten. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 5, at Olivet Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Adams officiating. Interment: Highland Memorial Gardens. John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.