William Raymond Woodall

William Raymond Woodall, born on September 26, 1932, in Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in California on July 19, 2026, at the age of 93. His long and well-lived adventurous life left an enduring mark on all who knew him.

Bill’s journey began in Oklahoma and moved to California with his family in his early years settling in the Central Valley and eventually to Los Angeles. He graduated from University High School in West L.A. then Cal State Long Beach with a teaching credential and Bachelors Degree.

Bill loved his work as a clerk and a manager at Safeway early in his life, and told stories of helping customers and making the market run efficiently. Bill then became a wood shop teacher for many years, sharing his vast knowledge and love of woodworking with students. He and his dad Ernie, built many grandfather clocks. Bill also crafted gorgeous teak furniture and elegantly-designed-decorative steel birds. After retiring from teaching, he had a successful tool sharpening business.

Bill was a devoted son and built an apartment with an elevator at their home for his father Ernie, and his mother Gladys, and cared for them during their final years.

Bill dearly loved his daughter Abbe, and provided steadfast support to her during her struggle with breast cancer, welcoming her husband Dave into the family with warmth and gratitude. Bill and Lois continued their relationship with Abbe's closest friend Leslie, even after Abbe had passed, sharing in her artistic endeavors.

Bill was a long time member of the Elks Lodge. He was initiated into the Gardena Elks #1919 on August 27, 2003 and transferred to the Redondo Beach Lodge #1378 on May 11, 2005. Bill was a member until 2018. He was Exalted Ruler for the fraternal year 2012-2013. He loved woodworking and made the four large wood signs depicting the principles of the Elk Order: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity. He was known for his chocolate chip cookies and would make them for the Tuesday night meetings as a fundraiser for a children’s charity. One member remembers how delicious they were and how everyone looked forward to meeting nights

Bill was a member of the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force since the early 2000’s. The original formation of the task force, in conjunction with the City of Redondo Beach, were responsible for designing, raising funds, and constructing the beautiful Memorial that sits in Veterans Park.

Bill was deeply inspired to help those in need, and throughout his life, he gave a little extra to people he met along the way--whether through his ownership of rental properties with dear friends Jess and Marilyn, and an avocado farm with his good friend Jim, or through the church or his local coffee shop community.

Bill and Lois have lived in Manhattan Beach since 1977 where they planned and built their home. They also loved going to their condo in Rancho Mirage, CA and playing tennis. At one time they owned a 25’ CAL sailboat that was moored in King Harbor Redondo Beach. They visited many of the Channel Islands. They also took many trips abroad with friends and cruised down the rivers of Europe.

Bill's love for, and devotion to Lois was evident from the smallest details--like holding hands while they slept, until the very end--to planning bigger adventures like traveling the world with friends and family. He championed her in her career and lovingly cared for her until he no longer could do so.

Bill loved music. He and Lois were church choir members and travelled to many countries in Europe to sing with the choir.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lois. Their love and devotion to each other was evident to those around them even after 61 years of marriage. He is also survived by his sisters Thelma Stanley and Carolyn Doyle, nephew Norm Stanley, nieces Cheryl Pitt, Alison Gaignard, and Lori Beckwith, along with many great and great great nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his father and mother Ernest and Gladys Woodall, daughter Abbe Weatherly, brother Donald Woodall, brothers-in-law Steve Stanley and Mike Doyle, nephews Bob Stanley and John Pitt  

Bill's presence was strong and constant in the lives of those who were close to him. He will certainly live on in our memories and our hearts with respect, affection, and love by all who were blessed enough to be a part of his journey. And what a journey it was.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate William Raymond Woodall’s life will be held on August 26, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills (FD 904), located at 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, California. A memorial service after the graveside at 2:30pm will be held at El Segundo United Methodist Church, 540 Main St. El Segundo, CA 90245. 

All who knew Bill and wish to pay their respects are welcome to attend and are encouraged to wear floral and Hawaiian themed outfits. Light refreshments will be served.

May he rest in peace.