Ambrose Rucker Woodroof

6 Condolences

• Friday, October 14 2011

  I cannot find the words to express the sorrow I feel with Uncle Woody’s passing; our condolences go to David, Kerry and Rosanne, 3 fine children, my cousins, my friends.
  
  Uncle Woody is now united with Aunt Virginia in heaven along with our many loved ones that have passed earlier.
  
  We are so blessed that Uncle Woody and Aunt Virginia graced our lives with their friendship, an adorable couple deeply respected throughout the decades of my life, by all of my family members, past and present.
  
  Thanks Uncle Woody for sharing your time with me on the telephone over the years and for the many precious tidbits of family history.
  
  Sincerely, Henry Halpin Tuck Burford, son of your loving sister, Darthula Serena Burford
  Henry.burford@verizon.com; 703.906.7373

• Wednesday, October 05 2011

  I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Ambrose Woodroof in 1999 at Jamestowne Society Council and listened to his wise wisdom through the years. He was a kind and gentle person but demanded the best from all under his wing as he was the model for those who followed him. He left a legacy whatever he did in life. He will be missed by all who knew this "Virginia Gentleman".
  
  Carolyn Kendrick Farmer
  Houston, Texas

• Wednesday, October 05 2011

  I shall always remember, with reverence, this great man. His honor, love of family and sense of duty are unsurpassed.
  
  For nearly two decades, he was my mentor and best friend in the Jamestowne Society. I shall always hold dear his friendship, loyalty and wisdom.
  
  We will miss him greatly but he will live on in our hearts.
  I remain,
  
  DeEtte DuPree Nesbitt
  Houston, Texas

• Saturday, October 01 2011

  It is with deep sorrow that my husband and I learned of The Honorable A. R. Woodroof’s passing. I have known him since the 1970s when I served as his Legal Assistant in the Office of the Attorney General until his retirement. In this capacity I had the opportunity to know and observe him closely. He was a true gentleman, a role model for me and others, and one who led by example. His ethics were beyond reproach. Despite his many accomplishments and a distinguished career, he was a humble man who chose to focus on others. He brought out the best in those of us who saw him on a daily basis.
  
  He was a devoted family man. He adored his three children and talked about their accomplishments with pride. He valued their individualism and throughout the years shared with me instances of their activities. When his granddaughter was born I thought he would burst with his love for her, and he has kept me up to date about her through the years via pictures and phone calls.
  
  He and his wife, Virginia, shared a deep and abiding love and respect for each other. This I learned through frequent telephone conversations with her. Through her accounts I witnessed a marriage that provided a blueprint for me and my husband. From Mr. Woodroof I learned about their courtship and how he fell in love with her and how on weekends when he was courting her, he would ride the train to see her, all dressed up in his crisp military uniform that didn’t wrinkle despite the sweltering heat. The last time I saw them together as a couple was when they attended our daughter’s wedding and reception. They came into the reception arm in arm, leaning on each other for support. I have pictures of his dancing and of their sitting together looking radiant.
  
  A while after his wife passed away, my husband and I drove to Lynchburg to visit him. During lunch he said about her, “Even though I know it’s not possible, I would give anything in the world if I could just hear her voice one more time.” It is fitting that most likely Mr. Woodroof’s wish has now come true. I wouldn’t be surprised to find that their beloved dog, Missy, has joined them too!
  
  As long as I live, Mr. Woodroof will remain in my heart, as I’m sure he will in the hearts of other family and friends that knew him well.
  Dr. & Mrs. J. S. Williams

• Thursday, September 29 2011

  I extend sincere sympathy to the family of Ambrose Rucker Woodroof, who served the Jamestowne Society as Governor from 1979 to 1981. He lived a life full of many achievements, and his contributions to the Jamestowne Society will be long remembered.~Susan Godman Rager, Coles Point, VA

• Thursday, September 29 2011

  Woody Woodroof was a wonderful person who set an enviable example for every member of the Jamestowne Society or for any genealogical society. It was he who established our 501 C status and started our organization on the successful mission of raising more than $600,000 during his active participation and leadership in the Jamestowne Society. Under his democratic leadership, every Society issue was decided in open and friendly discussion. He encouraged the Society to live within its means, to encourage increased membership, and to promote goodwill and fellowship in every way possible.
  Everyone who knew Woody loved his interest in others, his friendship that made it a pleasure to be in his company, and his being a true gentleman in every sense of the word. We all admired his superior efforts that made him a treasured advisor to many governors during the decades of his leadership in the legislature. His quiet, understated performance is a model for us to follow. Memory of his life and accomplishments provides the greatest possible monument to express our appreciation for having known him.
  James J. Owen, Blacksburg, Virginia