Melvin Phillip Woodard "Phil", age 74, of Watertown, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026. He was born in Lakeland, Florida on August 24, 1951, to the late Leslie and Mary Belle Woodard and was preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia (Carl) Dyer, Ruth (Bill) Day, Martha (Bob) George, Hallie (Andy) Waters and brother-in-law, Patrick Stone.

He is survived by his loving wife, Benita Woodard; his sister, Ann Stone of Navarre Beach, FL; sons, Kyle (Amy) Woodard of Lakeland, FL, Kerry (India) Woodard of Greenville, SC and Kasey (Kristen) Woodard of Taylors, SC; step-children Tiffany (Justin) Orrand, Justin (Rachel) Dillard and Noelia Dillard all of Watertown and ten grandchildren.

While still living in Florida, Phil was a department manager at Publix. After moving to Tennessee, he worked at Performance Food Group, in their customized division as Human Resource Manager until he retired in 2015. He later drove for Dependable Drivers for several years as a courier.

People that met Phil knew him for his wide grin, his sunny personality and his love of the Lord. One of the ways he shared his love of Jesus was by ministering to complete strangers and the homeless. The first time you met him, you were guaranteed to be asked "Do you know the good Lord Jesus?" He was a member of Poplar Hill Baptist church where he served as song leader for many years. He was also the first to volunteer as cook for their fish fries and VBS meals. Phil loved the Lord and his church family with all his heart.

Visitation will be held at Hunter Funeral Home in Watertown on Thursday, January 22nd from 3-8 PM and again Friday, January 23rd from 9 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM with Brother David Lawson officiating. Internment will follow in the Eastern Gate Cemetery in Watertown.

Pall Bearers, Jon Lawson, Lawrence Silcox, Ken Fuston, Randy Anderson, Jr., Sherman Kellow and Troy Adams.