Robert Sidney Woodward

Robert “Bob” Sidney Woodward, age 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, August 26, 2024 at Rutherford Ascension St. Thomas Hospital in Murfreesboro, TN. He was born December 15, 1948 in Johnson City, TN to Emma M. Carpenter and Robert W. Woodward.

Robert was predeceased by his mother, Emma Light, Tampa, FL, his father Robert W. Woodward of Brussels, Belgium, and his brother, Thomas Light.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ava Turek Woodward, daughters, Amanda Woodward (Daniel Sori) of Wells, ME, and Dr. Jennifer Woodward (Joel Cannon) of Murfreesboro, TN, and his grandpups Dolly and Bilbo. He is also survived by his siblings Tammy Sarber, Toni Harrelson, Renee Jeffries, Aunt Evelyn Reynolds, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob was an Air Force brat, living in California and England with his mother and step-father, Thomas Light, and siblings.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1965, serving two tours of duty in the Vietnam War and retiring after seven years of service.

Bob attended Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. He worked for the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division for 29 years.

Known as “Mr. Wage-Hour” to the local community, after being promoted and transferred to a one man office in Cookeville, TN from Tampa, FL, he was named a “hero” in the Nashville Banner in a 1988 news article following his involvement in the “hot goods” case, Citicorp Indust. Credit vs. Brock, 483 U.S. 27 (1987) .

Rockford Textile Mills, Inc. in McMinnville, TN closed without employees receiving their final paychecks and the company's assets were seized by secured creditor, Citicorp. With Solicitor of Labor, Teresa Ball, they brought the case of “hot goods” to get the employees paid by Citicorp. The case was argued at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC with the Court ruling in the favor of the U.S.. Department of Labor and employees of the factory. Bob was invited to sit in the chambers for the oral arguments.

During the 2 years the case was going through the federal court system, Bob called utility companies, banks, and mortgage companies to try to help prevent home foreclosures, and even bought groceries out of his own pocket to help the families affected.

The case had national impact for employees, changing what was considered a “hot good” on a national level, and ensuring the final paychecks of employees would be paid over secured creditors. For example, when Washington Manufacturing closed he secured the final paychecks for 3,000 employees.

In 2002, Bob received the Distinguished Career Service Award for his contributions and recognition for his work at the U.S. Department of Labor, having impacted national changes instrumental in helping employees understand their labor rights. Bob was a tireless worker for his family, community and country. As his recommendation for the award stated, “Woodward a true public servant.”

Bob was our sunshine and loved his family dearly. He was actively involved in his daughters interests. Bob volunteered at the Cookeville Children’s Theater, and spent many years at the Cumberland County Playhouse (CCP), in Crossville, TN where he was awarded a star in 1997 for his time volunteering backstage. He was a 32 Degree Mason, active in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls serving on the Board for Camp Montmilner and traveling Tennessee for official visits. Jennifer and Bob served as Royal Matron and Royal Patron in the Sparta Court of the Order of Amaranth. He received the high honor of Rainbow’s Grand Cross of Color with his daughters for his service.

A Celebration of life for Bob will be at Dyer Chapel Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home, September 7, 2024 at 11:00am. Visitation will be from 10:00am until 11:00am CST Service

Reception to follow celebration at the funeral home, please join us to honor Bob and share your stories.

Military Honors (Veterans Honor Guard) and Masonic services (Lodge #266) will be held. Per his wishes, Bob will be buried at sea by the U.S. Navy off of Pearl Harbor, HI, his last tour of duty.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate blood or provide a donation to the Bob Woodward Technical Theater Scholarship being established at CCP for students pursuing a technical theater degree. Please donate blood through Red Cross: https://www.redcrossblood.org or contact Amanda Woodward to learn more when to donate to the scholarship.

Bob was a kind, generous, easy going person, who always cared “for the little guy.” He fought the good fight until the very end. Rest well humble servant.