Wayne Elliott Woodson

Wayne Elliott Woodson, affectionately known as “Woodson” a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Baptist Health in Paducah. Wayne was 68 years old.

Wayne was born on January 6, 1958, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, to the union of Solomon Woodson, Sr. and Anna Mae (Patterson)Wright, both of whom preceded him in death. After high school, he worked in various roles, including as a CNA, before later becoming self-employed.

A quiet yet complex soul, Wayne chose not to affiliate with a specific church, preferring personal study and reflection. Believing that God is love, he refused to be bound by any single denomination or religion. Wayne had a deep love for the Bible and enjoyed sharing his wisdom, especially with his sister Wanda and anyone eager to learn.

Wayne was a passionate cook who often proclaimed, “No one is better.” His specialties included meatloaf, greens, macaroni and cheese, and dressing, but he was best known for his homemade tamales topped with chili. His cooking—and the pride he took in it—will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

He was devoted to his children, especially his sone Lil Wayne, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and shared a close bond with all of his sisters. Wanda was his partner in study and laughter, while Sheila served as a maternal figure during his teenage years and remained a source of unconditional love throughout his life. Wayne also cherished all of his brothers-in-law, especially Jesse Sr. and Robert Sr., with whom he remained close until his passing.

When time allowed, Wayne enjoyed college football and basketball and was a devoted University of Kentucky fan.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sophia Ramsey, and his brothers, Ray Paul Woodson and Bruce Woodson Sr.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Wayne (Sam) Flagg of Snellville, GA; daughters, Sharika Grady of Terre Haute, IN, and Megan Ramsey of Belleville, IL; grandchildren, Hezekiah Flagg and Kyla Flagg of Snellville, GA, and Hannah Ramsey of Belleville, IL; brothers, Solomon (Earline) Woodson, Jr. of Fremont, OH, and Timothy Jordan of Murray, KY; sisters, Marry Harris of Washington, D.C., Carolyn (Willis Sr.) Jordan of Metropolis, IL, Sheila (Jesse Sr.) Hughes and Wanda (Robert Sr.) Grady of Paducah, KY, and Felicia Jordan-Davis (Deitrik) of Fairview Heights, IL; his stepfather, Horace Wright of Greenville, IL; along with a host of niece & nephews (especially that Hughes and Grady clan) cousins, and friends.

Wayne will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, 12 noon, at Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home.

Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.

The service will be livestreamed on the Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home, LLC Facebook Page beginning at 11:45 a.m. CST.

You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.