Lawrence E Woodford, Sr.

Lawrence Edward Woodford Sr. (77) was born to George Charlie Woodford Sr. and Pearline Northington Woodford on April 11, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky. He peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, which was his mother’s birthday.

Having come from a large family of three boys and nine girls, he was the seventh child and youngest boy. He had the distinction of being the first baby to be born in the Woodford family home.

Lawrence accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Forest Baptist Church and served on the culinary committee.

Lawrence was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, where he was on the basketball and cross-country teams.

While at Thomas Jefferson, he met Phyllis Baynard and they later married. Their family consisted of a daughter, Tina, and a son, Bim. Lawrence is also the father of Sharonda Woodford.

He was a grandfather of four to Ebony, Darius, Trenton and Isaiah. Ebony helped care for him in his later years. When the boys were in elementary school, Lawrence was their Uber Driver. He would arrive an hour early to be first in line and to read his paper. He took this role very seriously, if he was not first in line, someone would hear about it. For the ride home, he would often have snacks for the boys or treat them to McDonald’s.

Lawrence often reflected fondly on his formative years and would recall stories of how he and his siblings grew up. He was very nostalgic about traditional values and the importance of family. Lawrence always wanted to make sure his family and friends were ok and had what they needed. His greatest wish was to win the lottery so he could take care of everyone. After a visit with him, you could count on him asking if you needed any money. If you said no, he would say, “Well, give me some then.”

As a teenager, he took an interest in cars and trucks including maintaining and racing them. Jimmy Hudson Sr., who called him “Moody”, was one of his best friends and the neighborhood mechanic. He credited Lawrence for teaching and mentoring him about cars. After the passing of his oldest brother, George Jr., he acquired his truck which helped establish Woodford & Woodford Trucking. He ran the trucking company and worked at the Ford Truck Plant until his retirement.

Lawrence loved shooting pool, watching boxing, and playing cards. He also loved a good pickup game of basketball. In his prime, he considered himself to be a sandlot all American. He loved the game so much he had a half basketball court at his residence with official markings. He loved playing against his son, nephews, and the neighborhood kids, in his signature Black, Hi-Top, Chuck Taylor All Stars. As if winning a game of basketball wasn’t enough, he would also challenge you to “get schooled” at a game of pool. He was an intense card player who took immense pride in “running scunion” on anybody who was brave enough to challenge him. He often reminisced about playing cards with his brothers, brother-in-law, and nephew. He didn’t discriminate between male or female when it came to cards. If the outcome wasn’t what he thought it should be, then you had to get up out of his house.

As a Louisville native, he loved all things related to the city; for example, the University of Louisville Cardinals and “The Greatest”- Muhammad Ali, who was his favorite boxer. He was often told they looked alike.

For decades, he was the host of the best Super Bowl Party where he introduced many to his famous baked beans. He often rivaled his sisters with baking. He mastered making his favorite pineapple upside down cake, and he could make a mean sweet potato pie.

Lawrence leaves memories to be loved and cherished by his children, Tina Woodford, Lawrence E. Woodford Jr. (Angela), and Sharonda Woodford. His grandchildren Ebony, Darius, Trenton, and Isaiah Woodford. His sisters Juanita Bridwell, Pearl Norfleet, Roberta Bishop, Virginia Woodford, Gloria Woodford, Mary Frances Rankin, and Deborah Warfield (Lorenzo). Also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents George Sr (1998) and Pearline Woodford (1991). His sisters Mary Louise Woodford (1941) and Susie A. Simpson (2020). His brothers George Jr. (1997) and James L. Woodford Sr. (2019)

Visitation will be from 10am to 12pm on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Forest Baptist Church, 4500 Petersburg Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. A celebration of Lawrence's life will be at the church at 12pm, followed by burial in Resthaven Memorial Park.

To leave a special message for the family, please use the "Guestbook" feature below.