James Madison Woodward, Iii

James Madison Woodward, III, age 87, of 505 Old Americus Road, Vienna, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Born in Cordele, he was the son of the late James M. Woodward, Jr. and Janie Forehand Woodward.  Upon graduation from Vienna High School, James joined his father in running Woodward Service Station and Auto Parts.  He was a member of Vienna Methodist Church, the Vienna Lions Club and served 30 years on the Vienna Housing Authority.  He also proudly served over 28 years with the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department including 22 years as chief.  His dedication to the fire department has had a lasting effect to this day.

James had strong ties to the family farm which has been in the Woodward family for over 162 years and 7 generations have spent the night there.

James took stewardship and conservation very seriously.  In 1993, he was awarded the Forest Stewardship Award from the Georgia Forestry Commission.  It was, and still is, something for which the Woodward family is very proud.  He also received the 2002 Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservationist of the Year Award for Dooly County.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, arrowhead hunting, riding his tractor and working on the farm as long as he was able.  He loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them.

Survivors include: Devoted wife of over 69 years:   Laura Woodward of Vienna

Son:  Alan Woodward (Ginger) of Vienna

Daughter:  Melanie Lee (David) of Vienna

Brother:  John Woodward (Mona) of Albany

Sisters-in-law:  Wyolene Morgan and Diane Morgan

Grandchildren: Heidi L. Hayes (Jason) of Vienna Lindsey L. Odom (Trey) of Valdosta Rusty A. Woodward (Elizabeth) of Augusta Lori W. Wetherington (Ryan) of Perry

Great Grandchildren:  Katie (Tanner), Hope, Rhett, Catherine, Claire, Hensley, James, Bebe, Sybie and Wynslet

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Tuesday, June 3 in Vienna Methodist Church with Rev. Tommy Mason and Rev. Tommy Braswell officiating.  Following the service, family and friends are welcome to join the procession around the courthouse square and then to the funeral home where fire department honors will be rendered.

The family will greet friends beginning one hour prior to the service in the Wesley Fellowship Hall of Vienna Methodist Church.

Memorial gifts may be made to Vienna Methodist Church, 205 North 6th Street, Vienna, Georgia 31092 or the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, 130 North 3rd Street, Vienna, Georgia 31092.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Vienna has charge of arrangements.