William Woodward Obituary

William George Woodward 76, of Harbor Beach Michigan, went home to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. William passed away on October 16, 2025 with his wife Christine and family by his side. William and Christine were married for 52 amazing years.  They grew up as neighbors and rode the bus together to school.  Bill did little without Christine as he found it difficult to enjoy life without Christine’s smile and kind word.

Bill was born in Port Huron Michigan June 3, 1949 to the late Francis and Mary (Mann) Woodward.  He started school in Port Huron Michigan and moved with his family to Harbor Beach Michigan at age five before the end of that school year, Bill’s teachers and parents had problems keeping Bill in school in Port Huron as at recess he would leave school and walk home.  It was eventually decided Bill didn’t like rules and structure but he did better in Harbor Beach.  Bill graduated from Harbor Beach High School and from Ferris State University with an associate degree.  He continued his education with a degree in finance and insurance law from Dearborn Financial Institute of Detroit, Michigan. 

Bill enjoyed work and those he worked with made the days enjoyable.  The camaraderie of those you work with and lunch room laughs are all good times.  Bill worked for the Cotter Construction Co. of Romeo Michigan clearing the right of ways for the power lines of the former Detroit Edison plant in Harbor Beach.  He also worked for the Detroit Edison company in Marysville Michigan and the St. Clair Power Plant of St. Clair Michigan.  Bill then started and operated Woodward Sanitation for 25 years.  After he sold the business, he worked for Drive All Manufacturing of Harbor Beach and Huron Tool of Bad Axe for a combined 10 years, after which he also worked for Sensient Flavors of Harbor Beach, and then he retired from full time work.  During this time Bill also worked part time as the insurance agent for the Farmer’s Mutual 23 years as of 2025 and served several years on their board of directors. 

Bill was a member of the Bad Axe Free Methodist Church for over 50 years.  He enjoyed the choir and was part of most every event, activity and committee at one time or another.  Bill enjoyed being at church, each Sunday to study the word of God, and to visit with others about the activities of the day.  Bill had fun as a member of the Harbor Beach Jay Cee’s   involved in many events at that time. He also was a member of the Indian Trails Riding Club. Trail riding and picnics were fun as was contesting with your horse competing against other members and the big event “the rodeo” was the highlight of the year at Indian Trails. Bill enjoyed classic cars of all makes and models.  Car shows were fun and rowing through the gears as Bill called it, with his Chevelle was great times.  Bill watched and listened to the high school sports of the day.  He was the biggest fan of football but was glad when any school in the area did well in sports or scholastically. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife Christine, his daughter Stephanie (Andrew) Cottrell his son Will (Rachel) Woodward, sister in law Kim Siemen. Grandchildren: Shelby Woodward, Ava Woodward, Ty Cottrell, and William Woodward II. Along with several nieces and nephews and cousins.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Mary (Mann) Woodward, his brother Francis (Woodie) Woodward II

Sister Nancy Robinson, Brother-in-law Steve Tageson, brother-in-law Don Siemen and his niece Brooke Siemen Marcinko

A Funeral Service for William will be held at the Free Methodist Church of Bad Axe on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 11:00 am with Pastor David Castle officiating. Visitation will be at the MacAlpine Funeral Home on Tuesday October 21, 2025 at 2:00Pm to 8:00Pm and at the Free Methodist church on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 10:00am until time of service. 

Condolences may be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com

Memorials may be shared with The Family Discretionary Fund C/O Christine Woodward