Obituary of Horace Rufus Woodard

Horace Rufus Woodard, 74, of Berrien Springs, Michigan passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. Horace was born January 14, 1948 to the late Ardie (Mitchell) Daily and Henry Miller. Horace moved to Dowagiac, Michigan in 1965. After he graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1966, he went on to work at Jessup Door. He worked at Jessup Door for a few years, and eventually worked in other factories in the Dowagiac area. In the 90’s, Horace worked at a company named Seal Power for more than twenty years, where he met and dated Sandra Johnson. Over time, the two fell in love and made sure they would spend the rest of their lives together. On December 30, 2005, they wed at the Berrien County Courthouse. Horace loved his wife and his family, and spending time with them was something he cherished. He loved his grand kids. Every summer, Horace looked forward to taking them to carnivals and to the Blossomtime Parade. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends. One of his favorite things to do on the weekend was go fishing with his friend on the river in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He loved to fish and enjoyed the quality time telling stories with his friends. Horace saw the good in everyone. He was known by many, Piggy to some and Howard to others. Those who knew him, no matter what you called him, knew him to be a great story teller and a good-hearted man. Horace is preceded in death by his parents; Ardie Daily and Henry Miller, his two brothers; Billy and Haskel Woodard, his daughter; Tamika, and his son Roderick. He is survived by his loving wife Sandra of Berrien Springs; his children, Anthony (Sandra) Henry of Georgia; LaVance Henry of Georgia; Kyon Woodard of Indianapolis; Lyroyce (Michelle) Hughes of St. Joseph; and Kinyetta Powell of St. Joseph; a brother; Bobby Woodard, of Indiana; fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren; a special brother-in-law Brown, of Benton Harbor; a close cousin Mary Joe in Las Vegas, Nevada; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Horace’s family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses that cared for him at Spectrum Health in Niles, Michigan, Select Specialty Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, and to the staff at Westwoods of Niles on Stateline Road, Niles. A special thank you to Nurse Julian and Nurse Robin that Horace shared so many stories with. Cremation has taken place, and Horace will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.