Burl "Woody" Woodruff

Burl William Woodruff, known as “Woody,”, 92, of Lorain, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, July 3, 2024, surrounded by his family and dear Mason’s brother Todd Zack. He was born on Friday, July 10, 1931, in Buffalo, New York and graduated from Fosdick Masten Park High School in 1949. The only high school that African Americans could attend in Buffalo. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force. He served in the United States Air Force as an Airman Second Class. 

After serving in the military, he returned home and secured a job at the Buffalo Assembly Ford Plant. It was there he adopted the nickname “Woody”. In 1959 he relocated his family to Lorain, Ohio, to further his career at the brand-new Ford Assembly Plant. He retired in 1985, after 30 years of service. 

In 1960, Burl became a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. He was a long-time member and Past Master of Buckeye Lodge #68. He was highly involved in helping new members learn rites and progress through the degrees of freemasonry. His service spans for nearly 49 ½ years; Past Master of Sadonia Lodge #93, Past High Priest of Golden Ark Chapter #38, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Phoenician Council #24, Past Potentate and Past Deputy of Al Lalim Temple #223 of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobels of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America Jurisdictions, and Grand Inspector General 33 Degree of Bezaleel Consistory #15, Valley of Cleveland-Orient of Ohio and a member of Black AC’s (Black Athletic Club). 

Burl loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed playing the bass drum, playing cards, a good ole fish fry, and spending time with his friends. He was also an avid Cleveland Browns fan.  

Burl “Woody” leaves to tell his story, his beloved children, Robin (Glen) Smith and Tyrone Montgomery of Lorain; Renee Woodruff and John (Susan) Woodruff of Louisville, KY; and Andre Woodruff of San Diego, CA; his precious grandchildren, Monique (Charles) Franklin, Landria Hinton, and Desiree Hinton of Atlanta, GA; and Ebony Smith of Lorain; his adorable great grandchildren, Ajunique Dillard, Jayden Penick, Ozias Franklin, and Yasir Allwood; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his beautiful beloved wife, Eva Pino Woodruff; his parents, James Woodruff and Carmen Earl Woodruff; brother, James Woodruff, Jr., and great-grandson, Lonnie Love, Jr. 

Visitation hours will be on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 9:00 AM until the time of his funeral service at 12:00 PM at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home and Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053. Masonic Service will begin at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery where Military Honors will be performed.