Roy Eugene Woodward

Roy Eugene Woodward, 91 died July 18, 2019 at Mtn View Hospital, Payson, Utah following a brief illness and was reunited with the love of his life, Carole Mae.

Roy was born in Emporia, KS to Asa and Tressa Woodward March 4, 1928 and became a big brother to Jerry a few years later. 

Health and fitness were his passion and priority from early on in life. At 17, Roy set an unofficial world record for the most sit-ups at Emporia High School. Completing 5666 sit-ups in 5 hours.  Later that same year, he joined the Navy Reserves as an S1C and served in WWII onboard the ATA 182. 

Upon return stateside and honorable discharge, August 1946 he stated that he would “never take another order ” and so began Roy’s life on his terms. 

Roy pursued his fitness quest by opening and operating various gyms in California and Utah and entering numerous body building competitions, having held the titles of Mr. Utah and Mr. Rocky Mountain. He was instrumental in helping launch the careers of numerous notable athletes including Ed Parker (Kenpo Karate) and worked out alongside many greats. 

Roy enjoyed writing and submitting Hollywood screenplays and self-help literature. He maintained his passion for helping others by providing physical and massage therapy, beauty improvement and by inventing and patenting several health and fitness products. 

In the words of his children when asked what their dad’s biggest contribution was to them personally:

“My dad taught me to command my body, make it well through body and mind.” Rock

“Love, understanding, support, spirituality, knowledge, growth, strength, change, be forgiving, not to judge, go after your dreams, have a sense of humor and to say what you feel. No beating around the bush. Always believe God loves us and is with us at all times. With him all things are possible. Once we got to really know each other, after years I pushed for it hard. I needed us to know one another. I needed my daddy in my life. Good old Tarzan stories, drive in movies and singing “You are my sunshine” when growing up. Constant prayer and never giving up! I’ll miss him greatly and all he gave me in life. He believed in me and was proud of me, I love you daddy.”  Shara

“My life.” Shawn

“Body and fitness knowledge.” Micah

“He would always tell me to stay close to our father in heaven. Pray daily, eat healthy. Always stay true to yourself. Dad would always make me feel special. What a great dad I had. I admire him for following his dreams, going for the things he wanted in his life. Dad had gumption, strength, wisdom, loving. I will always remember those things he taught me. It has helped me in my daily life today. Thank you dad for always believing in me. I love you dearly.” Terra

“Dads greatest contribution to me was the importance of my spirituality and relationship to my creator, health and fitness and a strong work ethic.” Steve 

You could find Roy in the gym 3 days a week well into his 90th year, and though he will be missed by many, there is peace in knowing he lived a very full 91 years on his terms. 

Preceded in death by his parents: Asa and Tressa Woodward, wife Carole Mae Woodward, stepson Bryan Crawforth, grandson David Bronson Lundell, granddaughter Sierra Woodward, granddaughter Stacy Gray and great grandson Taylor Downard

Survived by:

Brother: Jerry (Denise) Woodward,Utah

Children: Rock (Pam) Woodward , Shara Lundell, Shawn(Corinne) Woodward, Micah Woodward, Terra Beardall all of Utah, Steve (Holli) Woodward, Oklahoma and stepsons Mike(Wendy) Gray, Kenneth Crawforth of Utah 

Grandchildren: Utahna Woodward, Misty Lundell, Briendon Lundell, Quinn (Melanie) Bennett, Derek (Anzana)Woodward, Michael (Lexi)Woodward, Kallie Woodward, Ashley Woodward, Tyler(Jamie) Woodward, Kenyon (Chante) Woodward, Joshua Woodward, Auston Woodward, Candice Miller

Great Grandchildren: Sookie Boyer, Courtney (Tucker)King, Ryleigh Lundell, Kieden Lundell, Kaydence Lundell, Briendon Corey Lundell, Asher Bennett, Aspen Bennett, Lucy Bennett, Stella Bennett, Hazel Woodward, Geo Woodward, Emma Woodward, Kaydin Woodward, Kayson Woodward, Kaysley Woodward, Ryker Woodward, Chesney Woodward, Avah Woodward, Cohen Kenyon Woodward

Great-Great Grandchildren: Turner King, Coen King

Nieces and Nephews: Carla (Rick) Eagan, Valan Woodward, Jon (Lisa) Woodward, Daria (Curt-deceased) Jones, Desa (Craig) Story, Malaka (John) Anderson

Great Nieces and Nephews: Nicole (Jim)Stringham, Lance(Adrianne)Eagan, Aliyah(Justin)Rich, Knight Woodward, Justice Woodward, Rylan Woodward, Miranda ( Hector) Mancia, Megan Woodward, Torren Woodward, Tamika (Jordon) Schultz, Dartanyon Jones, Nakiah Jones, Colton (Laura) Story, Cassidy Story, Christian Story, JaCee (Bradley) Apple, Scheis (Sommer) Anderson

Great Great Nieces and Nephews: Sophie Wood, Averee Apple, Jonathan Apple, Daxley Anderson 

Longtime Friend: Paul Davies

No formal funeral service is planned. The family will hold a private celebration of life at a date to be determined.

They do want to sincerely thank you for the prayers. They are felt and appreciated.