Ronald Lee DeWoody, 71 of Franklin passed away early Saturday morning November 19, 2016 at The Caring Place in Franklin after a long and determined battle against Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Sugarcreek, Venango County on November 21, 1944, Ron was the son of the late Harold and Myrtle Shirey DeWoody.
He was a graduate of Oil City High School and earned his Master’s degree from Clarion University.
Ron was a devoted family man and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a terrific playmate to them and was always very proud of them.
Ron was an avid fly fisherman and conservationist. He was able to fish successfully as recently as September due to the efforts of his longtime friend, Tom. Ron tied beautiful flies for fishing and was always willing to share his knowledge and skill with others. He was a longtime member of the Oil Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited and served as treasurer for many years. Ron loved going to fish in Potter County and while there, also enjoyed hunting rattle snakes-just to see them in their dens and natural habitat.
Ron was a member of the BPO Elks in Franklin where he made many friends and enjoyed socializing with them. Ron taught school for many years in the Oil City School District until his retirement due to health reasons.
Ron had many interests that included refinishing furniture, bike riding, working out at the YMCA, reading, Sudoku puzzles, keeping aquariums of fresh water fish, caring for animals and others. Ron was very proud that he attained the rank of Eagle Scout in his younger years. He was a very quiet man but truly enjoyed people.
While in college, Ron met Joanne Meckley and they were married July 10, 1971 in Mercer and she survives.
Also surviving is a son Douglas C. DeWoody and his wife Laura of Bixby, OK; a daughter, Rebecca L. DeWoody Kazimer and her husband Ian of Franklin; seven grandchildren, Todd, Chase, Owen, Sam and Maggie DeWoody, Kelsey Rhodes and Aydan Kazimer; two brothers, Jerry DeWoody and his wife Nancy of Mercer and John DeWoody of Dempseytown; two sisters, Darlene Britt of Oil City and Kim Brady and husband Steve of Pleasantville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Carl DeWoody and an infant brother.
Family and friends welcome from 2:00 – 3:00 PM Tuesday at Christ United Methodist Church, 1135 Buffalo St. Franklin.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM in the church with Rev. David Janz and Rev. Sam Wagner, Pastors at Christ United Methodist Church, officiating.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131 or the Oil Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited P.O. Box 366 Franklin, PA 16323
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com.
