Rudolph Franklin “Rudy” Woodward

Date of Death: August 16, 2023

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visitation

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Saturday 8/26, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

service

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Saturday 8/26, 3:00 pm

memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Winchester-Frederick County
American Red Cross Chapter

J.D. Ballard Teen
Mental Health Fund

Rudolph Franklin “Rudy” Woodward, 65, of Stephenson, VA passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at his home.

Rudy was born in 1958 in Washington, DC, son of the late Rudolph and Mary Woodward. He was a proud graduate of Central High School, Class of 1977. He then began working in the transportation industry with his father at Colonial Transit Bus Service, followed by 23 years at Greyhound Bus Lines as the VP of Maintenance, 18 years at Veolia/TransDev as the Vice President of Technical Services, and finally as the Director of Maintenance Improvement at Keolis Transit America. It was during his impressive career that Rudy met the light of his life and soulmate, Jackie.

Rudy enjoyed being bested by his wife, son-in-law, and nephews in the game of golf regularly. He was a voracious reader, enjoyed music, but was most energized when he was captivating a room with his wit, humor, and passionate storytelling. Rudy found happiness in supporting his favorite losing sports teams, the Redskins and the Nationals. He had many opportunities to travel the world, both professionally and personally, and could often be found dressed to the nines with a good glass of wine in one hand and a cigar in the other. Rudy was tenderhearted, empathetic and generous with his time, attention, energy and resources. More than anything, though, Papa loved spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters.

Surviving with his wife are daughters; Sarah Woodward Hagan (Charlie) of Bridgewater, VA, Jen Young (Nancy) of Richmond, VA; son, Robert Woodward of Harrisonburg, VA; Papa’s girls Norah, Emma, Hannah, Savannah, Madelyn, Indiana, and Francis; sister, Sharon O’Neill (Dennis) of Amissville, VA; and brother, Robert E. “Bobby” Woodward (Michaele) of Orange, VA and numerous nephews and nieces.

Along with his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by daughter Meaghan Baumgardner, sisters Janet Woodard and Sandra Madison.

A visitation will be from 2 pm to 3 pm on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 3 pm. Final resting place will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Winchester-Frederick County American Red Cross Chapter or the J.D. Ballard Teen Mental Health Fund.

Brian Yoder

Lawrence Burke Sr.

Christopher Smith

Cheryl A Kapocsi

Jackie

susan woodward

Sheila Talley

Lori Anspach

Buddy Spear

Doris W Clarke

Dana Long

Anthony Radicone

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Saturday 8/26, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Saturday 8/26, 3:00 pm

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Winchester-Frederick County
American Red Cross Chapter

J.D. Ballard Teen
Mental Health Fund

Rudolph Franklin “Rudy” Woodward, 65, of Stephenson, VA passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at his home. Rudy was born in 1958 in Washington, DC, son of the late Rudolph and Mary Woodward. He was a proud graduate of Central High School, Class of 1977. He then began working in the transportation industry withContinue Reading

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Jackie and family My deepest condolences, I had the privilege to have meet Rudy when he hired me as a Mechanic at Greyhound in the early 90's. He was not only a wealth of technical knowledge but also a fair and caring Boss. As I grew in my career Rudy was always there to keep me straight. I followed Rudy to Veolia/TransDev and never regrated a day. I still remember the times when I was on the receiving end of one of my much need but chewings. Then we would finish and it out to lunch as friends. Fly high my friend you are missed but not forgotten. Freddie Mullen

To the Woodward family, Rudy hired me at Greyhound in July, 1996 as a supervisor and we remained good friends over the decades that followed. I learned so much from him about bus / heavy duty maintenance and also how to manage a shop. He and I shared many hard laughs and I admit he "chewed me out more than once" but I deserved it each time. What I respected about Rudy was as soon as the chewing was done, it was like nothing ever happened and he would say "let's go get some lunch." He was a great man and I wish you all peace. Respectfully, Brian Howard Williamsburg, VA.

Heartbroken. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

In memory of Rudolph Franklin “Rudy” Woodward, Lawrence Burke Sr. lit a candle

Sorry for your lost

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

You will be dearly missed, Rudy. You and Jackie were our "adult" couple friends, wine drinking buddies, travel companions (Napa, New Orleans, Paris, Normandy, Amsterdam, Germany, Austria, Hungary...), Spades partners (double blind nil), Village Square dinners, fire pit evenings, Sunday morning coffee... and more and more and more. We love you. Cheryl and Steve

In memory of Rudolph Franklin “Rudy” Woodward, Jackie lit a candle

I worked with Rudy at Greyhound, Veolia and Keolis and he was the reason I left Greyhound to go to Veolia. He was the smartest man I ever met in bus maintenance and one of the truly good guys in the industry. He spoke often of his wife and family and will be missed by more people than you can imagine.

My deepest condolences to Rudy's wife and family. He was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. Until we meet again sweet cousin

Back in the early 90s at Greyhound I met this kind, straight-shooter yet caring, and hilariously funny man named Rudy Woodward and we became instant friends. Rudy, I am truly a better person for having known you and you will be deeply missed. Our sincere condolences to Jackie and the family. Rest in peace, dear friend.

In memory of Rudolph Franklin “Rudy” Woodward, Lori Anspach lit a candle

Rudy was a terrific person. A great family man will be missed dearly by myself, as well as many colleagues from the transit industry. If it was not for Rudy taking a chance on me, I will not be where I am today. I owe him my career. He went to bat for me as well as many other managers to get them to start in their career. I’ve known Rudy for 30 years plus I remember the day he called me to tell me congratulations dad you’re a papa now and asked me what I gave my daughter, he was a kind a guy very personable very well liked always had the answers. I enjoyed his company in friendship and he will be deeply missed. I wish the family nothing but healing hearts as I know this will be tough for them when I receive the phone call I was in shock I could not believe my friend is gone. Rudy said he loved you up in the sky, my friend and I will think of you always all my days. You were a great father, grandfather husband, and friend all thanks for being there for me over the years , I appreciate it our friendship I will keep you posted my heart love always your friend Buddy Spear

Jackie and Family, I am so sad to hear about Rudy. I have always enjoyed listening to your stories about your travels and fun times and see the joy on Jackie's face while telling them. May you all find comfort in so many wonderful memories. -Melissa

My condolences to the Woodward family. Over the years Rudy and I have become good friends and I will truly miss working with him and just talking to him in general. Rudy was a wealth of knowledge, understanding, and humor. For anyone that has had the pleasure of working with him then you know what RUDY stands for. The world has lost a legend in both transit and wit. "Now look here Chief", I'll miss you Rudy.

I’ve crossed paths with Rudy for many years but never got to truly “know” him until he took the job with Keolis. We quickly developed a wonderful relationship and with the addition of Al Folks considered ourselves the “Three Amigos”. He touched the lives of many and will always be remembered. A great colleague, person, and most importantly, a friend. Adios, Amigo…..

Jackie I am so sorry to hear about Rudy. I am thankful I had the opportunity to visit with the two of you last year. It was so much fun hearing Rudy remind me of things I had long forgotten. You had a wonderful man in Rudy. Our Lord's presence will see you through the days ahead. God Bless You.

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Rudy. He was a great man who loved his family and community. May peace be with the Woodward and Hagen family's at this time!

Jackie and family We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.

In memory of Rudolph Franklin “Rudy” Woodward, Dana Long lit a candle

I will miss my sweet friend and co-worker. Rudy and I worked together for many years at Transdev. He was such a supportive co-worker. We shared the good times and helped each other through the bad times. He loved his family and I know he will be deeply missed. I will miss you Rudy!

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

To Jackie and the family Rudy has became my best friend he's an angel in heaven he was an angel on Earth I'll never forget him I loved him like a brother I'm so sorry for this loss love always

I love you Uncle Rudy may you rest in paradise with your daughter and two beautiful sisters til the day I rejoice and see you again you are loved and missed deeply

Thoughts and prayers for your family.

Rudy was the definition of continuous improvement. He thought me so much in the little time I’ve know him. I will always strive for better and think to myself, “what would Rudy do.” My condolences go out to his family and friends and I’m thankful to have know him.

My deepest condolences, I am devastated. He was my idol, my mentor the world was a better place with him in it

In memory of Rudolph Franklin “Rudy” Woodward, Rachel Folks lit a candle

Although I didn’t know him personally, I am very familiar with the Jackie and Rudy fun tales Jennifer Kulp would share with me of your times together. I would have loved to sit back and watch antics. My condolences and prayers to you and your family.

Thank you for being my friend and being such a caring person always shining light to those around you. You will be missed by many! You will always be cherished in our thoughts of you and your hilarious sense of humor! Rest in Peace my friend! Love, Lauren*

It was always a special day when you were able to spend even five minutes with this man. Smart, thoughtful, funny, kind, devoted to his family, friends and work, I consider myself lucky to have known and worked with him. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to his family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.