Roy Lee Woodall

Roy Lee Woodall, 80, of Akron, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on April 4, 2020, from complications of the coronavirus at The Rehabilitation Center at Ohio Living Rockynol.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 37 years, Marianne (Lange) Woodall; parents, Benjamin and Dolly (Shatto) Woodall; brother, Verlin Woodall; and brothers-in-law, William Lange, and Vince Chapman; and sister-in-law, Audrea Woodall.  Roy is survived by his 3 children, Theresa Wylie (James), Keith Woodall (Kitra) and Karen Hogan (Michael); 4 grandchildren, Abigail Nelson (James), Daniel Wylie, Annabelle Woodall, and Samuel Hogan; brother, William Woodall; and sister, Lois Chapman; brothers-in-law, Rick Lange, and Dave Lange (Dora Anne); and sister-in-law, Mary Elaine Lange; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Born in Akron, Roy spent most of his life in the Akron area and was a graduate of Kenmore High School.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with dual majors in Physics and Mathematics from Kent State University.   He had a long and distinguished career as a leading expert in the development of shape charge technology for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), working for prominent employers including Firestone Tire and Rubber Defense Research Division, Goodyear Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, and Aerojet Rocketdyne.   He received several patents as well as commendations from the Pentagon during his career for originating break-through discoveries.

Roy became a lifelong supporter and volunteer of the Soap Box Derby after racing in it as a boy.  His children, grandchildren, and extended family were all avid racers and have many fond memories of racing throughout the Midwest.  He coached countless boys and girls over the years helping them build cars of their own.  He served on the National Control Board for many years and played an instrumental role in coordinating the wheel bank and converting the photo finish line to digital format.   He could always be found at the track, but especially so during All American week.

He was an active member of Fairlawn Lutheran Church and served on the Board of Trustees and as an usher.

Roy had a passion for science which included a unique practicality of know-how  to where he could fix or build just about anything.  He definitely had an “early-adopter” mindset when it came to new technology and was one of the first to buy a personal computer.  He designed and built his own house, restored and repaired cars, worked on electronics and electricity, and enjoyed pyrotechnics.   His basement and garage were legendary and had far more tools and supplies than any big box hardware store.  We miss you, Dad.

The family would like to express enormous gratitude to the staff of Ohio Living Rockynol.   The assisted living staff showed warm hospitality, offered unwavering compassion, and provided the highest quality of health care to him during his three years as a resident.   The rehab nurses displayed astonishing heroics, resolute bravery, and comforting love as dad succumbed to COVID 19.   We are forever grateful.

Due to current restrictions for gatherings, a private burial was held April 8th.  A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Fairlawn Lutheran Church.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333