Robert James Woodward

Ronald James Woodward

Ronald James Woodward went to Heaven on July 1, 2025, after a life well lived. A kind, fun-loving, and truly unique soul, Ron touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on April 1, 1938, in Worden, Illinois, to Pauline and William Woodward, Ron lived a life marked by achievement, adventure, and deep love for his family. He attended Louisiana Tech University on a basketball scholarship, playing all four years, and was the captain of the team his senior year. He graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. In 1960, he began his career with Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, TN. Over the decades, Ron rose through the ranks, holding numerous department and division leadership roles. He and Jeanette relocated to Houston in 1980 to manage the Coal Gas project and in 1986, to England for two years to lead the PET expansion projects in England and South Carolina. He retired in 1997 as Vice President, Worldwide Engineering and Construction, where he helped Eastman globalize its operations through the Engineering/Construction of new operating facilities in Singapore, Argentina, Spain, the Netherlands, and Kuala Lumpur.

Ron shared nearly 67 years with his devoted wife, Jeanette (Stellwagen) Woodward who was the love of his life and greatest companion. Together, they embraced life’s adventures, traveling across the United States in their RV, exploring Mexico and other international destinations, playing golf, and making lasting memories with family. After he retired, they made their home on Cherokee Lake in Bean Station, TN, and spent their winters in Orlando, FL. He valiantly fought for many years against the effects of two strokes, regaining his ability to walk; later he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

He cherished time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, known affectionately as “Papa,” or “Pops”. Making memories with them brought him his greatest joy. Each one held a special place in his heart.

Survived by his wife, Jeanette; his son, Dean (Lynda); his daughter, Lori (Ron); and his five grandchildren: Traci (Paul), Alison (Preston), Lindsey (Ryan), Beth (Atticus), and Trey (Ali). He was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren: Harrison, Hallie, Jack, Emma, Cora, Rylie, James, Maddie, Kian, Eleanor, and Theo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pauline Woodward; his brother, Richard Woodward; his sister-in-law, Ruthanne Woodward; his sister, Joyce Pazero; and his brother-in-law, Joe Pazero.

The family will hold a private celebration of Ron’s life at a later date.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”

Isaiah 40.31