1934 – 2016

AUBURN — The family and many friends of Pennell “Penny” Woodard, 81, mourn his loss as he passed away Wednesday, Nov. 2, at his home on Birch Road in Auburn. However, the family is grateful that his suffering with the horrible disease of cancer is over.

He was born in Lewiston on Dec. 29, 1934, to the late Linwood Pennell and Marjorie (Small) Woodard. Penny graduated from Edward Little High School where he was an outstanding four-letter athlete, after which he went on to play football at MCI and Florida State U. He returned home to marry his high-school sweetheart and love of his life, Carol (Stevens) Woodard on May 10, 1958, and spent 58 wonderful years together. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard in the early years of his married life.

Penny created his own unique brand throughout his lifetime, without the aid of social media, but by his actions, his incredible love for his family and friends, his faith, and his innumerable generous contributions to the community. He gave years of valuable service at the highest levels to the YMCA, Auburn school system, Masonic Lodge, Shrine, Little League, Auburn Business Association, CMMC, Court Street Baptist Church, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, Odd Fellows, Auburn Sports Association, Auburn Grandstand Club, United Commercial Travelers and United Fund. And I’m sure I’ve missed a few. His contributions did not go unnoticed, as he received the Auburn Citizen of the Year Award in 1982, was inducted into the Auburn/Lewiston Sports Hall of Fame (1995), and from the YMCA received two Distinguished Service Awards, a Volunteer of the Year Award and in September 2016, inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame. A very impressive body of work for a man that also found the time to work every day, as a local insurance agent, and still be an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He is a resounding example of a very full and well-lived life. Sports played a big role in his life, and he used that experience to impact the lives of many young athletes in the community. Three bouts of cancer and the replacement of many joints (often more than once) and other health challenges could never dampen his indomitable spirit. He never once wanted anyone to feel sorry for him, but instead felt so blessed by his life and all of those around him. He always had a smile, silly antic and warm handshake, not to mention numerous “Maine-isms.” The family is extremely grateful for years and years of warm and wonderful memories this man left with them. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered every single day. We should all strive to live like he did!

He leaves his wife, Carol of Auburn; two children, Mary Beth Gagne and her husband, Robert, of Auburn and Thomas Woodard and his wife, Megan, of Jupiter, Fla.; his six grandchildren, Heather Young and her husband, John “JP,” of Auburn, Rachel Gagne of Auburn, Parker Woodard of Newfields, N.H., Chelsea Paine of Jupiter, Fla., Alexis Paine of Los Angeles, Calif., and Avery Woodard of Jupiter, Fla.; a brother, Bruce Woodard Sr. of Wales; a sister, Jacqueline Davis of Eastport; and many nieces and nephews.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Penny’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.