Dudley “Woody” Hawthorne Woodall, age 85, of Portland, Maine, died Monday, July 22, 2019 at Woodlands Senior Living Center, Farmington, Maine.
He was born March 24, 1934 in Newark, New Jersey, a son of the late James Edward & Ruth Margaret Woodall.
Woody was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Hawthorne Woodall of Centerville, Ohio on December 23, 1983. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Alyce Strickland Woodall, two sons and daughters-in-law; Kyle (Wendy) Woodall, of Springboro, Ohio, Joshua (Christy) O’Brien, of Noblesville, Indiana, one daughter and son-in-law; Jessica O’Brien & Scott Croteau of Phillips, Maine, four grandchildren; Erin, Brennan, Neve, and Sebastien, as well as, his sister Janet Blair and her 4 children and 11 grandchildren.
Woody graduated high school from George School Prep, Newton Pennsylvania (class of ’52), awarded his Bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts (class of ’56).
While receiving his education, Woody was a member of the Air Force ROTC. He went on to serve his country as an officer in The United States Air Force, from 1957 to 1960, primarily stationed in Japan.
Woody completed his education by achieving a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (class of ’65). As a professional, Woody’s career focused on higher education. He was a member of the team that established Hampshire College, Amherst, MA (1968 -1972).
He went on to become the Chief Financial Officer of Antioch College, Yellow springs, OH (1975 1979). From there, he became Treasurer of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME (1979 1990). And finally, New England College, Henniker, NH made Woody Director of NEC’s British campus in Arundel, West Sussex, England (1990-1994). Woody formerly noted that his greatest satisfaction as a professional administrator was helping to ensure access to a quality education for all students of all backgrounds.
Under Woody’s quiet demeanor was a man with an enthusiasm for life. He traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Central America, Europe and the Middle East. He loved motorcycles, Formula 1 Racing, single malt scotch, ice hockey, The Patriots, a hand of cards, a fine cigar, the companionship of good dogs (all dogs are good), a hearty laugh, his 2nd home in Nova Scotia, a fine meal.
However, above all else, Woody loved being at the helm of a sailboat. As per his wishes, Woody’s ashes will be spread at sea at a later date. Woody will be remembered as a trusted friend, a loving father, and a devoted husband. Cremation care has been provided by the Wiles Remembrance Center/Adams~McFarlane Chapel of Farmington. Condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.