Harry M. Woodard, Jr, of Gilbert passed away at home on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. He was born in Hamlet, NC on July 26, 1943, and was the oldest son of Harry, Sr. and Elise P. Woodard. He was also the eldest brother of Ronald P. Woodard. Harry graduated from Eau Claire HS in 1961. He attended the University of South Carolina, but chose to be an entrepreneur for his career. Some of his jobs included delivering The State newspaper for many years, and opening and running the canteen at Lower Richland HS. He also owned many rental properties in Columbia, owned, and operated HTB Auto Sales in Columbia.

Harry was married to the love of his life, Sandra, for 62 years. He and Sandra loved to travel and have cruised all over the Caribbean, Europe, and the US. They have also spent many years living and playing on Lake Murray. One of his favorite things to do was take visitors around Lake Murray in his pontoon and show off all the wonders of the lake. He was a great tour guide and had a lot of funny stories about his times on the lake. Harry was a lifelong Gamecock fan and he and Sandra enjoyed tailgating and attending the games for many years.

Harry was the proud father of Harry M. “Tripp” Woodard, III of Lexington, and Michael B. “Burnie” Woodard (Tracy). He was also “Dad” to his daughter-in-law Judy for 45 years. He was very affectionately known as Granddaddy to his granddaughters Sarah Ashlyn Yin (Chang) of Lexington and Kaitlyn Jensen Woodard of Boston. He was so proud of all their accomplishments. Five years ago, he became GG Bop to Marin Lois and more recently to Maisy Kait, his great granddaughters. He always said that he was so blessed to be able to meet his great grands and get to know them.

Harry had a very special relationship with his best friend, Edward Abston. They met in the 7th grade and were like two peas in a pod. They enjoyed traveling with their wives, line dancing, and most of all, riding their Harleys. They were a permanent fixture at Bike Week at Myrtle Beach for years, and if there was a charity ride, they could be counted on to be there. It is rare for anyone to have a friendship that endures the test of time like their friendship. They were a popular duo wherever they went.

Harry is survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia Woodard; half-sister, Lynda Cramer; and half-brothers, Bill Woodard and Eric Woodard, all of Maryland; as well as many nieces and nephews.

If you didn’t know Harry, you probably knew of “Dirty Harry.” He really never met a stranger and if you were with him and lost him, you just had to look for a bunch of people and he was probably in the middle introducing himself. His family has many stories of the fun times with Harry and he will truly be missed by all.

Funeral arrangements are being made by Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. Plans include a visitation with the family on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 12:00pm, with a funeral service in their chapel following at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park directly across the street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Beulah Methodist Church of Gilbert, 161 Beulah Church Road Gilbert, SC 29054.