Billy Cato Woodard was born on June 11, 1936, in Hartsville, Tennessee, to the late Duffy Read “D.R.” Woodard and Louise Woodard. The second of four children, Billy grew up alongside his three sisters, Jo Ann, Bobby Sue, and Linda.

Billy was a proud graduate of Trousdale County High School, Class of 1954. It was during their senior year, while participating in the senior class play, that he began dating his classmate, Jo Ann Gregory. Their young romance grew into a lifetime together, and on June 3, 1955, Billy and Jo Ann were married in Corinth, Mississippi. They shared 69 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered around family, faith, and devotion to one another until Jo Ann’s passing on August 29, 2024.

Together, Billy and Jo Ann welcomed their daughter, Melissa, and later found great joy in becoming grandparents to their grandson, Jake. Family remained an important part of Billy’s life throughout the years, and the many memories shared with those he loved will continue to be treasured.

At just 19 years old, Billy began his career with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) office of Trousdale County in 1955. He remained dedicated to his work there until retiring at the age of 53. Even while working full time, Billy was no stranger to hard work at home. He raised Hereford and Angus beef cattle, tending to his farm alongside the responsibilities of his career.

Billy was also a man of deep and steadfast faith. He and Jo Ann were longtime members of First Baptist Church of Hartsville, where Billy faithfully served his church family as both a deacon and treasurer. His commitment was especially evident through his remarkable 40 years of service as church treasurer.

When there was time to spare, Billy was happiest outdoors. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed deer hunting, quail and dove hunting, as well as fishing for sauger and bass. Whether on the water, in the woods, tending cattle, or simply enjoying the outdoors, these were pursuits that brought him many years of enjoyment.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Melissa (John) Langsdon of Columbia, Tennessee; grandson, Jake (Alex) Langsdon of Columbia; sister, Linda (Tom) David; nieces and nephews, Mike (Karla) Duncan, Lyn (Lee) Benson, Susan (Scott) Anderson, Amy Grammer, and Shannon (Larry) Sims; great-nieces and nephew, Kristie (James) Edwards, Josh (Amy) Kerley, and Hayden Wells; several great-great-nieces; and other extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

In addition to his beloved wife, Jo Ann Gregory Woodard, and his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his sisters, Jo Ann (Lee) Grammer and Bobby Sue (George) Duncan; and great-niece, Kellie Bentley.

Billy’s life was one marked by commitment to his wife and family, to his work, to his church, and to the simple things he enjoyed most. After nearly seven decades beside his beloved Jo Ann, his family finds comfort in reflecting on the beautiful life they built together and the many years of memories they leave behind.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Hartsville, TN. The family will receive guests two hours prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Bro. Jack McCall will be officiating. To follow, Billy will be laid to rest at Hartsville Memorial Gardens next to his beloved Jo Ann.

Those honored as pallbearers are Kevin Matthews, Matthew Carmen, Jamie Helson, David Brown, Ricky Cornwell, Robert Murray, and honorary pallbearer Dwight Jewell.

The care of Mr. Billy Cato Woodard was been entrusted to the caring staff of Williams Funeral Home. To share words of comfort and condolences, please visit www.williamsfh.com.