Longtime White Plains resident Daniel A. Woodard Jr. passed away Tuesday, May 16 at the age of 93, According to his obituary.
Born in 1930 in the village of Rockville Center in Nassau County, Woodard showed academic and athletic aptitude from an early age and later played baseball and football at Winston-Salem State University, where he played with coach Claren Gaines’ “Big House” established close ties with ‘Gaines.
After graduating in 1953, he began a career in education, earning a master’s degree in educational administration from Columbia University’s Teachers College. He has since gone on to do a PhD at Columbia, earning the nickname “Doc” among colleagues and friends.
Woodard’s journey then took him to the U.S. Army, where he served with the 7th Division Special Forces in the Korean War. His obituary said he was honorably discharged after serving an honorable service.
After returning home, Woodard began his career as an elementary school teacher while coaching football and basketball at Virginia State. Then, in 1961, he joined the White Plains Central School District, where he would become “an integral part of the community,” his obituary said.
He began his career in the area, teaching English and social studies at a middle school in the city, before transferring to White Plains High School, where he made history as an African-American administrator.
Woodard spent an impressive 34 years in the region before retiring. Even after that, he remained active and served on several local boards and administrations, including the Thomas Slater Center, Education, Winston-Salem State University, and the Westchester County College Conference.
He is also proud to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Loucks Games, a prestigious track and field invitational tournament held at White Plains High School.
In addition to his educational career, Woodard is devoted to his family. He met and fell in love with his wife, Elaine DeLoach, for 54 years. They also have a daughter, Nicole Danielle, who, in addition to his grandsons Zoë and Joshua, has been “the pride and joy” of his life.
Woodard is survived by Elaine, Nicole, his son-in-law Dwayne Brown and his grandchildren. He is survived by his great-nephew Stacey Edney, his wife Yvonne, cousin Ceil Carey and numerous friends and family.
Above all, Woodard will be remembered as “a man of integrity, wisdom and boundless love,” his obituary said.
Visitation services are scheduled for Wednesday, May 24 from 12-2pm and 6-8pm at the Ballad-Durand Funeral and Cremation Services in White Plains, 2 Maple Avenue.
Funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s AME Church in Rockville Center, 453 Pershing Blvd, on Thursday, May 25 at 11:00 am.
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