Stacy Woodford

Woodford, Stacy

1940 - 2022

Dr. Stacy Woodford Sr., 81, passed away on March 5, 2022. Stacy was born on March 17, 1940, to Carl and Athene Woodford in Columbus, Ohio. As a young boy, Stacy was baptized in the original Macedonia Baptist Church located in Flytown. He worshipped as a dedicated member of the church for many years. Stacy is a graduate of Columbus Central High School where he participated in numerous athletic and creative extracurricular activities. He earned his Ph.D. in Secondary and Higher Education from The Ohio State University in 1974. Stacy age 8 and Beverly age 7 met at that young age and the rest is history. In 1961, Stacy and Beverly were married. They enjoyed 61 loving years of marriage. They went on to have 5 beautiful children - Carl H. (Diedre, Deceased) Woodford, Stacy Jr. (Sabrina) Woodford, Anthony "Tony" Lee (Tara) Woodford, Eric Patrick (Shelly) Woodford, Tanya R. Woodford, and William "Teddy" Briggs. Christmas was Stacy's favorite time of the year. From the beginning of their marriage he bought, wrapped and delivered gifts for all of the children and grandchildren. He would spend at least 30 days on and off decorating the house inside and outside for people across Columbus to come and see his beautiful creations. Spring and Summer he would plant beautiful flowers for everyone to enjoy. Stacy began his 26-year career in education as a Home-School Community Agent at Linmoor Jr. High School. Later, he transitioned to a role in special education at the same school. At Franklin Jr. High School he worked as both a teacher and assistant principal. He then served as an assistant principal at Linden McKinley before returning to Linmoor Jr. High to work as the head principal. Stacy worked in higher education teaching as a professor of Educational Administration at The Ohio State and Xavier Universities. Stacy finished his career in education working as Sr. Executive Director of State & Federal Programs, for Columbus City Schools. Stacy played an integral role in the facilitation of the groundbreaking desegregation of Columbus City Schools of 1978, based on the landmark case of Penick v. Columbus Board of Education. During his time with CCS, Stacy received countless honors and awards for the unparalleled quality of performance as an educator. Stacy was a humble man of diverse capabilities. His talents extended far beyond the realm of professionalism. He was an exceptional husband, father, writer, cook, artist, tailor, craftsman, visionary, and comedian. Above all else, Stacy prioritized his family. Over the course of 50 years, Stacy and Beverly organized multiple trips each year to spend time enjoying the company of their family. The legacy of Stacy's genius lives on through his brainchild: The Woodford Contemporary Real Estate; one of the pioneering black-owned realty businesses serving central Ohio. With the help of his wife; Broker Bev, he opened the business in 1976 and ran a successful operation for the duration of his life. As partners, they bought the building in March, Beverly took the exam in April, and the business opened in May. The power couple then moved the office to the present location on E. Main St. Stacy was the inaugural Black male recipient of the Columbus Board of Realtors Million-Dollar Award in real estate and blazed a trail for agents of color in the industry. Real estate rehab was an integral part of the company which changed lives and strengthened communities in Columbus and surrounding areas. Hard work and determination characterized his 46 years in the real estate business. Stacy was an avid fan of the OSU Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds. Stacy is survived by his loving, devoted, beautiful, supportive wife, Beverly and their children - Carl H. (Diedre, Deceased) Woodford, Stacy Jr. (Sabrina) Woodford, Anthony "Tony" Lee (Tara) Woodford, Eric Patrick (Shelly) Woodford, and Tanya R. Woodford. He is also survived by his 22 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Brothers, Alfonzo, Gary "Sam", Harold "Skeeter" and sister, Carol "Samuel" Wright additionally survive Stacy.