It is with heavy hearts that we announce our awesome father, Thurman Lee Woodruff, Jr., 80, saw the checkered flags waving and finished his earthly race on May 28, 2026.

Thurman was born in Halifax County on September 10, 1945, to the late Thurman Lee Woodruff, Sr. and Helen Overton. He was employed by New Dixie Oil for 30 years and drove a tanker truck while listening to his favorite tunes. 

He had a lifelong passion for Tonka Toys and NASCAR--with his favorite drivers being Cale Yarborough and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He loved going to the races and enjoyed many of them alongside his best friend, Donnie Allen. 

Thurman never knew a stranger and talked to everyone he met—especially at Food Lion or DrugCo. He would go in for a few items and would end up talking to folks and checking in with everyone for hours. If one thing stands out the most about Thurman, it’s that if everyone could be like him, the world would be a better place.   

Thurman leaves to carry on his legacy his daughters, Tracy Woodruff, Kelly Hester, and Stacy Gray and her husband, Gene Gray, Jr.; his grandchildren, Tyler Wayne Harris, Justin Saunders, Kelson Saunders, Jessie Turner, and Addison Turner; great grandchildren, Tristian Harris, Tylan Harris, Raelynn Saunders, and Junie Saunders; his best friend of all time, Donnie Allen; his companion, Myrtle Jones; his four-legged babies, Winston, Sully, and Bentley; and a host of extended family and friends—all who will miss him dearly. 

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 1, from 5 pm until 7 pm at Wrenn Funeral Home, 1015 West 5th Street, Roanoke Rapids. Funeral Services will be held for Thurman at 2 pm on Tuesday, June 2, in the chapel of Wrenn Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Ragan officiating.

Interment for Thurman will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the United States Navy. 

Arrangements are under the compassionate care of Wrenn Funeral Home and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.wrennfh.com