Robert Perry Woodby Sr. || Obituary

Robert Perry Woodby, Sr., known to many as R.P., passed from this life on July 24, 2024, after a lengthy battle with dementia.

R.P. was born in Lake Creek, Texas, on November 4, 1931, the only son of Willie and Ruth (Mills) Woodby.  He attended school at Lake Creek and graduated from Delmar High School in 1950.  As a young man he received the honor of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America.  R. P. remained active with the Boy Scouts for most of his young adult life.  He then attended Paris Junior College in the fall of 1950.   He also joined the National Guard in Cooper, Texas, in 1950.  He retired from the Army Reserves as Lt. Colonel in 1983.  He went to work for The Paris News in 1952.  R.P. was employed by Babcock & Wilcox Plant in Paris, Texas in 1953.  While working at B&W, R.P. attended East Texas State University.  He obtained his bachelor’s degree in business in 1970 and his M.B.A. degree in 1972, from East Texas State University.  He retired from B&W as a Purchasing Agent in June 1984.

R.P. married Janice Ann Stephens in Paris, Texas on June 29, 1957.  Janice retired from Paris ISD as a teacher/librarian.  In 1983, he and Janice opened Woodby Insurance Agency which his sons still operate.  In 1996, he was honored to receive 5th in the nation in new auto insurance policies written.  After retirement, he and Janice loved to travel spending a great deal of time in central Mexico where they built a beautiful home in the mountains.  They entertained family and friends from Paris.  R.P. was an outdoorsman and loved working in his gardens and hunting with his sons.  He deeply loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 67 years.  His children: Kelley Ferguson (David); Perry Woodby; Ken Woodby (Connie).  Grandchildren are Tyler Little (Kelly); Dr. Trenton Little (Bethany); Bailee Gormsen (Nick); Macy Woodby; Alan Woodby (Callie); Grace Woodby (fiance, Gavin Watson); sister Annie Woodby Perry (Thomas); niece Doris Hines (George); nephew Brad Perry (Kim); brother and sister-in-law George and Peggy Stephens; sisters in law Lynda Stephens and Carolyn Spann; great nephews Colton Perry (Taylor), Michael Hines, Gerry Don Hines (Amber), Chase Perry and great nieces Nicole Perry Arnold (Josh) and Jennifer Perry Eatherly (Kyle).

Serving as honorary pallbearers Tyler Little, Trenton Little, Alan Woodby, Brad Perry, Michael Hines, Gerry Don Hines, Colton Perry, Chase Perry

Preceding him in death are his parents, sister May Baker, nephew, Brian Perry, and nephew, Robert Guffey, Jr.

R.P. was a lifelong member of the Bonham Street Church of Christ where he served as a Deacon.  He was a great example of what a Christian should be.

A gentle giant, loved by all, he will always be remembered as a loving Christian Dad, caring Papa, loving Brother, and Uncle.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Pine Tree Ranch and Platinum Home Healthcare for their love and care they showed R.P. during his illness.  Also, the family extends a special thanks to our dear precious friend, Sue Pynes.

A visitation will be held at Fry Gibbs Funeral Home on Sunday, July 28 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 29th at 10:00 AM in Evergreen’s Open Air Chapel.