Melvin "Butchie" Ray Woodford Jr.

Melvin "Butchie" Ray Woodford, Jr., age 60, of Smithland, Kentucky, passed away on March 2, 2026. Born on November 6, 1965, to the late Melvin Ray Woodford, Sr. and Charlotte Marie McCreary Larrison, Butchie will be remembered as an outdoorsman who loved time in the woods, on the water, and playing sports on a baseball or football field. 

Butchie graduated from Lone Oak High School in 1983, where he was a standout athlete, excelling in football, baseball, and basketball. Over his career as a pipefitter, he laid his hands on numerous projects working with companies such as Tilford, Murtco, and CMI. His workmanship was a testament to his attention to detail and his strong work ethic.

Throughout his life, Butchie forged bonds of friendship and fraternity through his love for sports and outdoor activities. An avid hunter and fisherman, he cherished the time spent in the calm of nature. The thrill of tracking down duck, deer, and quail always brought joy to his heart, and his tales of the one that got away will be sorely missed at campfires and family gatherings. 

Butchie's skills with a pool cue were no secret in the local pool halls. His ability to eye a shot and calculate angles was akin to a seasoned mathematician solving a complex problem. Many would gather around the pool table to watch him play, whether they were there to challenge him or simply to enjoy the artistry of his game.
 
Melvin Ray Woodford, Jr. is survived by his mother, Charlotte Marie McCreary Larrison of Lone Oak; two sisters, Valeria Woodford of West Paducah and Kimberly Lynn Tucker (John) of Hendron; two brothers, Jeff Larrison (Tracey) of Lone Oak and Ricky Shawn Larrison (Shawna) of Melber; one special niece who was like a daughter to him, Desiree’ Sullenger (Zaylor) of Hickory; several nieces and nephews; and two incredible black Labradors, Sadie and Drake.
 
He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Ray Woodford, Sr.
 
A funeral service will take place at 1 P.M. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Danny Sherrill officiating.  Visitation will be held from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the funeral home.
 
Burial will take place at 12 P.M. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Maplelawn Cemetery in Paducah, Kentucky.
 
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of gifts to an organization called Walking Humbly Outdoor Adventures, which seeks to inspire and nurture in youth a lifelong love for the outdoors through education and adventure.  Donations can be made online at whoaky.org or to Walking Humbly Outdoor Adventures, 15030 US-45, Water Valley, KY 42085.
 
Share a memory or leave an encouraging message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.