Harry "Earl" Woodcock

Mr. Harry “Earl” Woodcock, 89, of Jesup, Georgia, died Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.

Born January 18, 1935, in Patterson, he was a son of the late Otis and Estelle Rowland Woodcock. The Pierce County native had lived in Wayne County for the past 60 years.

He married the love of his life on September 5, 1959. Their dedication and love for one another lasted 64 years and was like no other.

He struck out on his own at age 15, working a variety of jobs such as with Armour Packing Company in Jacksonville, Fla., the railroad, Waynline, Wayne County Road Department where he helped build many roads in the county and was one of the main operators working Jaycee Landing, Harper Gas, and later retiring from Hendrix Hauling following 17 years of employment as a heavy equipment operator.

A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he loved spending time with loved ones and telling his work history stories. He was a very hard worker, who taught his children a great worth ethic and that to have what you wanted and needed in life, you have to work hard for it. Last but not least, in his eyes, family was always first.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph “Joey” Woodcock; a grandson, Kristopher Clayton Sweat; his aunt and uncle by whom he was raised, Jack and Eunice Woodcock; and his brother and sister-in-law, James and Wylene Woodcock.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Freida M. Woodcock; two daughters and a son-in-law, Rita Bennett of Jesup and Sheila and Jeff Grantham of Odum; three grandchildren, Eron (Joann) Bennett of New Port Richey, Fla.; Emily Bennett of Jesup, Maranda (Lucas) Smiley of Jesup; five great-grandchildren, Hunter Bennett, Zayda Sweat, Raylan Garrison, Landon Smiley and River Bennett; a first cousin with whom he was raised, Alyne Leggett of Brunswick; special cousins, Harry and Anna Lane of Jesup and Gene and Susie Lane of Jesup; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service will take place Friday, June 14, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home in Blackshear with Rev. Dale Bange officiating.  Burial will follow in the New Home Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia 1625 Sunset Blvd. Jesup, Georgia 31545 or charity of your choice.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of the arrangements.

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