David Delos Woodard Obituary

David Delos Woodard, a thoughtful, intelligent, and interesting man, passed away on June 24, 2023, at Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield, MI. Born on March 15, 1946, in Highland Park, MI, David's life was a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and love for family and friends.

David was a proud graduate of Berkley High School class of 1964. He went on to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from Wayne State University and a Master's degree in Chemistry from the University of Windsor, Canada. His educational pursuits laid the foundation for a successful career, beginning with his 20-year tenure as a Chemical Engineer at Champion Spark Plug. In the last 25 years, he became the Owner/proprietor of Collectible Investments in Berkley, MI, where he touched the lives of many young collectors who came to see him as a father figure.

David's love for his family knew no bounds. He is survived by his daughter, Traci (Ronald Foon) Rink; son, Justin (Dana) Woodard; three grandchildren, Katherine (Alex DeRoehn) Rink, Vella Woodard, and Olivia Woodard; two sisters, Carolyn (David) Wojtowicz and Bonnie (Steve) Nelson; a very close nephew, Kevin (Elaine) Caine; and five additional dear nieces and nephews, Carrie Gouine, Wendy Morlewski, Mark Wojtowicz, Bradley Nelson, and Shaun (Saja) Nelson; and his dear friend Patti Lynn. He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Susan Porterfield; a nephew, Kenneth Wojtowicz; and his parents, Julia and Delos Woodard.

Affectionately known as "Tata" to his grandchildren, David was a constant source of love and support. His interests were as diverse as his talents, which included playing softball for the St. John's Episcopal Church team called "St. John Slammers" for over 40 years and being a patron of the Detroit Opera Theater. David enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings, playing the guitar, and listening to all different types of music.

As a motivational speaker might say, David's life was a shining example of the power of perseverance and the importance of following one's passions. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him, and his memory will serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. In the words of the great American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.". David Delos Woodard certainly blazed a trail that will not soon be forgotten.

As we celebrate David's life and remember his many accomplishments, let us also take a moment to reflect on the impact he had on those around him. In the words of John Lennon and Paul McCartney "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make". His thoughtfulness, intelligence, and interesting nature made him a role model for all who were fortunate enough to know him. While David may no longer be with us physically, his spirit will live on, guiding and inspiring us to be the best versions of ourselves.

Visitation 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home, 2125 Twelve Mile Rd. Berkley, MI. Additional visitation Friday, June 30, 2023 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM funeral service at the funeral home. Private cremation will follow with inurnment entrusted to his family.

Memorials suggested to Grace Center's of Hope, 35 East Huron St., P.O Box 430618 Pontiac, MI 48343-0618 or The Detroit Opera Theatre.