Ernest Clifton Woodard Jr

Ernest Clifton Woodard Jr, age 74 passed away at his home in Tennessee Ridge, TN, on the morning of November 2, 2024. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at the Chapel of Nave Funeral Home with Bro. Sonny Hobbs officiating. 

The Woodard family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service Tuesday afternoon. 

Ernie was born on May 9, 1950 in Franklin, TN, located in Williamson County, son to the late EC Woodard and Helen Woodard. 

Ernie was a hard worker and entrepreneur who was best known for his BBQ restaurant in Leiper’s Fork, TN, “Ernie’s Smokehouse, and the success of his trucking business, “Woodard’s Trucking” in Tennessee Ridge, TN. In addition to his business success, over the years he provided for his family with a body shop business where he worked hard in the auto repair industry. When not working, Ernie loved his “toys”, and was an adventurer. He loved to fly, and loved his aeronica airplanes, boating and fishing, and absolutely loved his Harley Davidson motorcycles. On pretty days, you would find him, his wife, and friends riding the back roads on their Harley’s. Most recently, in his older years, you could find Ernie riding in his restored chevy van, or in his little truck going down to Danville to get a biscuit while looking at the lake or fishing. 

 In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by all of his six siblings, Prentice, Maxinne, Kitty, Joanne, Janice, and Bobby.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Doneda Woodard; three daughters, Tammy Fossie of Erin, TN, Portia Woodard of NC, and Heather Woodard of Franklin, TN. Ernie also leaves behind seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of which he adored and loved. 

Arrangements are in the care of Nave Funeral Home, (931) 289-4277, NaveFuneralHomes.com.