Raymond Woodie, Sr. was born on September 26, 1945, to the late David Woodie, Sr. and Willie Mae Woodie of Palmetto, Florida. He was the youngest of five adoring siblings: David Woodie, Jr. (Vera), Freddie, Woodie Sr. (Doris), Aldonia Hemmans, and the late Alfred Woodie (Helen). His father had nine siblings with two living, Janie Davis (Aaron) and Lillian Sims of Bradenton, Florida.

 At just 11 years old, Raymond experienced the heartbreaking loss of his mother. During that difficult season in his life, his aunt Marian Woodie–his mother’s dearest friend and wife of his late Uncle Robert Woodie–lovingly stepped into the role of a mother figure. Raymond carried a deep love and appreciation for her throughout his entire life and always held her close to his heart. 

Raised from humble beginnings, Raymond learned early the value of faith, hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. His father worked tirelessly as a grove picker, doing everything he could to provide for his children and create a better life for them. Those lessons helped shape Raymond into one of the most caring, selfless, loving, and giving men anyone could ever know. 

As a young man, Raymond dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player, but God had other plans for his life. Determined to continue building a future for himself and his family, he earned his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. In 1964, Raymond was encouraged to step outside of his comfort zone and apply for a position at Winn-Dixie. During a time in America when many doors were still closed to African-Americans, Raymond refused to allow the challenges of the 1960s to stop him from succeeding. Through hard work, integrity, dedication, and perseverance, he rose through the ranks and eventually became a Store Manager, dedicating 36 years of faithful service to Winn-Dixie. For Raymond, it was never just a job–it was an opportunity to serve people. He believed in helping others, especially young African American men and women who simply needed someone to believe in them and give them a chance. He employed countless young people when others would not. He quietly fed families in need, helped those struggling financially, and constantly found ways to uplift people in his community. Though he received numerous awards and accolades, including NAACP Awards and Community Service Awards, Raymond never bragged or boasted about his accomplishments. Humility was simply who he was. Raymond wore many titles throughout his life–mentor, leader, encourager, provider, and friend– but perhaps his greatest titles were devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful church servant, and man of God.  

He met the love of his life, Linda (Milhouse) Woodie, and the two were united in marriage on June 26, 1971. Raymond fell in love with Linda’s spicy, assertive personality and, as he would lovingly joke, her “bow legs.” Linda adored his laid-back spirit, gentle heart, and unmatched ability to make anyone laugh. Raymond was so funny. He could crack a joke at almost any moment, sometimes even at the most inappropriate times, but that joyful spirit brought light and laughter to everyone around him. After retiring from WinnDixie, Raymond continued his life of service by working for the Manatee County School Board for many years. Hard work was simply a part of who he was.

Raymond was also a devoted and faithful member of the 4th Street Church of Christ of Bradenton Florida, where his first cousin, Roderick Woodie, serves as pastor. His faith in God guided every aspect of his life. Over the years, he faithfully served in many roles within the church, including Treasurer, Vice President, and Sunday School Superintendent. He was a devoted Christian who loved and supported his church family wholeheartedly and faithfully. 

Raymond was an amazing family man. He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Linda Faye Woodie; two cherished children born to their union, Raymond Woodie, Jr. (and loving daughter-in-law Stephanie) and Jacinda Woodie Jenkins; and loving son Darryl Woodie; and his four beloved grandchildren, Raymond Woodie III (fiancé Gabrielle) Alanah Woodie, Kaden Woodie, and Makinley Jenkins. 

He also leaves behind his cherished sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Tom and Carolyn Washington, Anita Johnson, and Gregory Milhouse, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church family, and loved ones whom he loved dearly. Raymond was proud of everyone’s accomplishments and constantly encouraged others to strive for greatness. He celebrated people wholeheartedly and always found ways to pour love and support into others often quietly slipping kids money to help them along the way. 

During the final weeks of his life, Raymond continuously reminded his family how much he loved them. Though he had always shown his love through his actions, he made sure his family heard those words often, and they will forever treasure them. Through it all, Linda lovingly cared for him with unwavering devotion. As a nurse by profession, she also became his personal caregiver, standing faithfully by his side with compassion and love. 

On May 12, 2026, Raymond Woodie, Sr. departed this earthly life. Though his family wished for more time with him, they find comfort in knowing that God knew best. Raymond touched countless lives throughout his journey on earth. His kindness, humility, faith, generosity, wisdom, laughter, and love left a lasting imprint on every person blessed enough to know him. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, church family, community, and all those whose lives he forever changed.