April 6, 1956 ~ September 4, 2025 (age 69)
Marion Russell Woodruff, 69, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on September 4, 2025, in Opelika, Alabama, enveloped by the love of his family. Born on April 6, 1956, in Culver City, California, Woody, as he was known to all, lived a life characterized by steadfast faith, quiet wisdom, and an abiding love for the simple pleasures in life.
Marion’s legacy is continued through his devoted wife of many years, Deborah Woodruff. Their enduring love was the foundation upon which a warm, loving family was built. He was a father to his daughters, Layla Barrington and Lisa Schwarz. He also had 8 grandchildren, Rebecca (Brandon)Prince, Harlie (Wesley)Bozeman, Veronica (Michael)Moore, Justin Gorham, Jacob (Alex) Gorham, Josh Gorham, and Nicholas Gorham, all of whom he took great pride in. They, along with fourteen great-grandchildren, will carry on.
Reflecting on Woody’s early life, he was preceded in death by his doting mother, Mary K. Woodruff, his father, Marion E. Woodruff, and his beloved grandson, James R. Morgan. The memories shared and lessons imparted by Marion will continue to resonate with his family and friends.
In 1973, Woody proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, a period of his life that defined his sense of duty, honor, and patriotism. His experiences in the service not only shaped who he was but also enriched the communities he was a part of as he carried those values throughout his civilian life.
An outdoorsman at heart, Marion found solace and joy in the quietude of nature. Whether he was waiting for the perfect catch on a serene lake or sitting silently in a forest waiting for a glimpse of wildlife, he was at peace. He also cultivated a passion for billiards, which was more than a game for him—it was an exercise in precision, patience, and sportsmanship.
Described as faith-filled by those who knew him, Woody walked a life path guided by his spiritual beliefs. His wise counsel and moral compass influenced many, and his gentle demeanor served as a reminder of the grace and humility with which one can traverse life’s many challenges.
As the sun sets on his earthly journey, his spirit continues to radiate warmth and light in the hearts of those who loved him. Though he will be missed, the stories of his kindness, his laugh that echoed during family gatherings, and his presence will continue to uplift and guide us. Marion Russell Woodruff’s storied life is a testament to a man who lived genuinely and loved genuinely—a man whose memory will forever be a beacon of what it means to live a good and meaningful life.
Please visit Marion’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Marion, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
