James Robert Woodall

James Robert Woodall, Sr., a resident of Dothan, passed away on Thursday morning, June 5, 2014, peacefully at home with his family by his side.  He was 77.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Dothan, with Dr. Johnny Fain and Dr. Harper Shannon officiating.  Burial will follow in the Pinckard Memorial Cemetery with Sunset Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2014, at Sunset Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 300 West Main Street, Dothan, AL  36303, or Gentiva Hospice, 2740 Headland, Avenue, Dothan, AL 36303,or a charity of your choice.

Mr. Woodall was born in Newton, Alabama, to the late Paul and Willie Grace Woodall.  A graduate of Newton High School, he eloped and married his high school sweetheart, the late Frances Elizabeth Brannon Woodall, on December 3, 1954.  Together they built their lives serving the Lord, giving back to their community, and raising their family.

The son of a farmer, Mr. Woodall carried on the tradition in his early years, winning numerous 4-H awards.  Upon graduation, he held jobs at Fort Rucker, Colonial Bakery, and First Baptist Church of Dothan.  Realizing his talents in the HVAC industry and savvy business mind, he and his wife opened Woodall’s Sales and Service, Inc. in 1967, known today as Bob Woodall Air Care Systems.  Through their work, they experienced the opportunity to give back to the community, travel the world, meet life-long friends, and raise a family.  An active member of the Dothan Area Homebuilders Association, Mr. Woodall was recognized with many achievements, including Associate of the Year and inducted into the Hall of Fame.  After 23 years, they retired and together spent countless days enjoying their love for hunting and fishing, where Mr. Woodall was particularly known for his turkey and deer hunting skills and knowledge of fishing Lake Eufaula.

Whether it involved his family or business, Mr. Woodall’s motto was always “be firm, fair, and reasonable; but above all else glorify God”.  A man of strong faith and principles, he was an active member of First Baptist Church of Dothan where he was a deacon, served on numerous committees, and honored as Deacon Emeritus.  A caring, kind, strong, and faithful man, Mr. Woodall loved his wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends, and the Wiregrass area.  He will always be remembered for his gentle spirit, dedication to serving others, and commitment to Christ.

Mr. Woodall is survived by two daughters, Diann Capan Ronnie and Janie Woodall Joe Mitchell; his son, Bob Woodall Carla, his grandchildren, Haley Capan, Brannon, Jaime, Elizabeth Grace, and Robert Hemby Woodall; siblings and their spouses, Leon and Martha Woodall, Glenda and Andy Marshall, Donnell and Carol Woodall, Anita and Russell Lee; sister-in-law, Sue Woodall; and many nieces and nephews to include a special niece, Pat Ivey.

Mr. Woodall was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Frances Elizabeth Brannon Woodall; brothers and sister-in-law, Willie Woodall, Luverne and Jo Ann Woodall.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brannon Woodall, Jaime Woodall, Robert Hemby Woodall, Ronnie Capan, Joe Mitchell, and Jamie Elliott.

The family would also like to express a sincere appreciation for the love and care by Ruth Johnson and Sharon Roberson, the years of weekly meal deliveries by Ansley Whatley, and for the excellent care and support provided by everyone at Gentiva Hospice.