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ZUNI – Lawrence Hunter Woodward, of Zuni, passed away on June 30, 2021, surrounded by family. He was born to Joseph and Celeste (Kingree) Woodward on Nov. 3, 1931 in Luray, Virginia. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Wayne, his sisters-in-law, Peggy Woodward and Catherine Wagoner and his brother-in-law, Charles (Shep) Wagoner.

Hunter’s greatest accomplishment and joy was his family. He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Suzanne (Martin) Woodward and his children and their spouses: Beverly Woodward Rabil (Johnnie), Lawrence H. Woodward Jr. (Jane), James F. Woodward (Cheryl) and Martin W. Woodward (Susan). He was also the beloved “Pop” to his 11 grandchildren: John Rabil Jr. (Christy), Susan Rabil Longley (Matt), Alexandra Woodward Paone (Patrick), Carlyn Woodward, Nicole Woodward Fagan (Alex), James Woodward Jr., William Woodward, Jacob Woodward, Meaghan Woodward, Cathleen Woodward and Elizabeth Woodward and his three great-grandchildren, Hunter and Hannah Longley and Fred Rabil. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Guy and several nieces and nephews.

Hunter grew up in Luray, Virginia and lived there until he joined the Army. After his military service, he graduated from Virginia Tech (and was so proud when two of his grandsons followed in his footsteps). He also received his masters degree in education from the College of William and Mary. His life’s calling was in education and he served as a teacher, principal, coach and administrator in King and Queen County, Accomack County and Isle of Wight County, Virginia. It was not uncommon to run into former students of Hunter’s who shared stories of Hunter’s positive (and usually amusing) influence in their lives. After “retirement” he went to work for Construction Control Corporation and advised school superintendents on construction projects throughout Virginia.

Images of vacations and holidays on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the family farm on the York River in Shacklefords, Virginia, roasting oysters and solving world problems over bonfires in Zuni and Pop sharing his woodworking creations and vegetable garden with his grandchildren will be forever remembered with a smile and gratitude. A close second to spending time with his family, there were few things in life that Hunter enjoyed more than being near water with a fishing pole in his hand.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. There will be a graveside gathering to celebrate his life at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 4, at Sunny Slope Cemetery, 2400 King William Avenue, West Point, Virginia. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.vincentfh.com (Vincent Funeral Home).