Woodie Marshall Lane, Sr. was born to the late Reverend Charlie Lane and Bessie Lightfoot Drake Lane on June 2, 1939 in Madison County, Alabama. He made his eternal transition on March 3, 2013 at Huntsville Hospital (Madison, Alabama). Woodie attended Indian Creek Church School, Toney Jr. High School and graduated from Councill Training School in 1957. He was so proud of his school and genuinely loved his classmates. He frequently talked about the plans and activities they shared. He eagerly anticipated the reunions held every three years. He also attended Savannah State College, Armstrong State College in Savannah, Georgia, the University of Maryland in Nuremberg, West Germany and the Drake State Technical College. At Drake State, he learned skills which enabled him to become proficient in Automotive Technology.

Brother Lane confessed hope in Christ in the late 1980’s under the pastorate of Reverend William Robinson at St. James Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America in the Jeff Community. He was ordained as a deacon in 1990. He united with the Fellowship Presbyterian Church in 2001, under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. John Herndon, where he remained a faithful member. He served with the Deacons’ Ministry, the Fellowship Presbyterian Men, and the Usher Board. He also worked with the Reevis Hill Benevolent Fund.

Woodie was a member of Temple Lodge #98. He was a life member of the alumni associations of Savannah State University and Western Michigan University. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans Huntsville No. 26, Alabama and a long standing member of the East Cemetery Improvement Association. Woodie had an abundance of knowledge relative to the location of slave graves.

In 1963, Woodie was drafted into the United States Army - a career that would span 21 years. During those years of military service, some of his assignment experiences occurred in Japan, Turkey, Germany, Vietnam and Fort McClellan. Among his decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons are the following: National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Oversea Service Ribbon (1), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Expert Badge. SFC Woodie M. Lane, Sr. was honorably discharged on May 15, 1984.

In 1965, Woodie and Barbara Bigbee were united in Holy Matrimony. To this union, one son, Woodie, Jr. was born. This birth completed the family unit that also included older siblings Connie and Freddie Bigbee. Barbara (1971) and daughter Connie predeceased Woodie, Sr.

On December 6, 1985, Woodie was united in Holy Matrimony to Rosalie Jones. As a result of this union, two daughters, Regina V. and S. Yolanda Jones, were merged into the Lane family.

In 1994, Woodie’s entrepreneurial spirit manifested itself when he decided to open a restaurant, “Campus Take-Out Deli.” He relinquished the business in 1997.

One of Woodie’s first loves was auto mechanics. While a student at Councill Training School, he studied under the late Mr. Jesse Daniels. He acquired his first job repairing cars at Daniels’ Garage. Even during his army career, two of his Military Occupation Specialties were Tank System Mechanic and Aircraft Components Repair Supervisor. Following his military years, he was employed by Southside Motors, Incorporated in Huntsville, Alabama as Manager of the Rebuild Shop for foreign cars. His telemetric skills were utilized as the Vehicle Plant Manager and Instructor for the Alabama State Department of Corrections in Springville, Alabama. This was Woodie’s second retirement.

Woodie was preceded in death by eight sisters (Clara, Hazel, Lois, Margaret, Mary, Martha, Lela and Josephine) and four brothers (Andrew, Frank, Charles, and Herbert).

Those left to cherish the memory of Woodie are his loving and devoted wife, Rosalie Lane; his affectionate children, Woodie M. Lane, Jr. (Connie), Freddie Bigbee, Regina V. Jones and S. Yolanda Jones; a doting grandson, Ryan Gordon and a sweet granddaughter, Lurlie Crutchfield; a loyal brother, John Amos Drake, Sr., attentive twin sisters, Helen Burwell and Ellen Walton; three fond brothers-in-law, Alfonso Alvin (Barbara), Freddie Middleton (Robin) and Ulysees Middleton (Valencia); a special cousin/sister, Marjorie Looney; a caring first cousin, Reverend James Lane (Mary); a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and the Fellowship Presbyterian Church Family whom he dearly loved.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2013, at the Fellowship Presbyterian Church (3406 Meridian Street, Huntsville, AL 35811) with Pastor Gregory J. Bentley officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. Deacon Lane will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2013, at the Royal Chapel of Memories.

Public Viewing will be held from 12:00 Noon until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2013; and from 8:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2013, at the Royal Funeral Home.