William Eugene Woodward was born October 19, 1931 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Marcus and Wilma Jean (Bailes) Woodward. He grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he attended Holy Family Church and School. He played football for Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma and earned a bachelor's degree in business.

William proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts with one Gold Star, Combat Action Ribbon, and Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and Rifle Marksman Badge. In honor of his meritorious service, his remains will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

Following his military service William was employed at Sinclair Oil in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the accounting department for more than nineteen years. He then was employed with the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired. He was a part-time reserve officer for the Tulsa Sheriff's office and active in the Tulsa branch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

William departed this life Friday, August 30, 2024, at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 92 years. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mena Ann Woodward; his parents, Marcus and Wilma Woodward, and his ex-wife, Ramona Livesay.

Survivors include his sons, Jon William Woodward and his wife, Donnita of Columbia, Missouri and Anthony Eugene Woodward of Tulsa, Oklahoma, one grandson, Anthony Woodward, and other extended family.