William Wayne Woodard

William W. Woodard, 77, of Westlake Louisiana, passed away May 25, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s.

Bill was born in Iowa in 1949 and moved to California with his mother and brother at age 3. Bill excelled in school and graduated from West High School in 1967. Bill’s kindness and generosity to everyone were genuine qualities that always brought out the best in everyone around him.

At the age of 19, Bill was drafted and spent his service stationed stateside with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as a medic. After serving his country, Bill began working as a machinist at Northrop in Hawthorne, CA, where he graduated to planner and then became a safety engineer.

Later in his career at Northrop, Bill decided it was time for a change and left to pursue his entrepreneurial interests. After a few years of following his passion, Bill was given an opportunity to relocate to Lake Charles, Louisiana. Bill relocated and returned to work at the Northrop Grumman facility in Lake Charles, working there until his retirement.

Here in Louisiana, Bill found the love of his life, Barbara. Bill and Barbara enjoyed their life together with frequent trips to the casinos for good times, good luck, and good food. Bill’s thoughtfulness and generosity continued to endear him to anyone he encountered, to his family, and especially to his grandchildren.

Bill and Barbara made many wonderful friends and memories in Westlake. They also enjoyed pursuing their passion for cruising together to some fabulous destinations, and sharing their love and support for each other over the past 18 years.

Bill is now at peace on a heavenly cruise ship enjoying the endless sunrises and sunsets, asking for his favorite “Piggy Burger”. Bill, know that every time we see a Sci-Fi movie or a bottle of ketchup, we will be thinking of you!

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Janice.

He is survived by the love of his life, Barbara; his step-father, James; his children, Danielle and Nicolle; his grandchildren, Laurel, Oliver, Lilly, and Nikko; his brother, Michael (Joanne); and the close friends he chose as family.

Cremation was entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. An inurnment will take place at a later date in California and a part of him will be delivered to the sea by a cruise ship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, www.apdaparkinson.org.