July 23, 1935 – November 19, 2021

Beals – The Reverend George L. Woodward, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 19, 2021, at Down East Community Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. George was born in Jonesport on July 23, 1935, the son of Lloyd and Iona (Beal) Woodward.

Fondly known to all as Pastor George, he served in the ministry for 57 years until his retirement, pastoring congregations from Maine to Florida, finally settling back at home on Beals Island in 1996. Though his pastoral service began in 1958, he had felt his calling twenty years earlier, practicing his childlike faith by baptizing rocks in Barney Cove and preaching from the pages of the Watkins catalog. Pastor George attended Emmanuel Bible College in New Brunswick, Canada, completing his pastoral studies in 1954. After working for a number of years as a licensed furrier with Jerry Pooler Furs in Augusta, George stepped out in faith and began his ministry in those early years, in service to funeral homes. Pastor George’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ was the touchstone of his life and of his extraordinary, expansive ministry. Ordained October 13, 1967, Pastor George was humbled and honored to have been pastor of Beals Advent Christian Church, his and his family’s “home church,” twice in his career. In the early 1970s, Pastor George led a weekly television ministry, “The Back to Church Hour with Reverend George Woodward.” Recorded in Bangor during years he was pastor at Beals Advent Christian Church, and sponsored by Bert Look of Jonesport, the program featured guests from amongst his countless church friends throughout its run. Other honors of Pastor George’s ministry included serving as president of Lakeside Advent Christian Campground, accepting many appointments to special ministry at Alton Bay, blessing the fleet of Wreaths Across America, and helping to coordinate the Christmas time outreach of the Maine Seacoast Mission. Pastor George committed his heart to the passionate plea of Christ: “Feed my lambs.” His wedding services, funerals, baby dedications, baptisms, pastoral care visits, cards, and phone calls would be far too many to number.

Pastor George will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Iris Joy (Hersey) Woodward; and their large, devoted family. In addition to Iris, surviving him are their children, Wanda Alley and husband, Ronnie, of Jonesport, Kevin Woodward and wife, Billie Jo, of Hampden, Patti Kelley and husband, Ernest Jr., of Jonesport, and Kris Woodward and wife, Diane, of Richmond, VA; their grandchildren, Nate Alley and wife, Christy, Kadi Merchant and companion, Jeff Jordan, Andrew Woodward and wife, Linda, Leigh Alley and husband, Anson, Lauren McCoy and husband, Scott, Rosie Conary, William Quinn, Lucas Boobar and wife, Katie, Patrick Kelley and wife, Misty, Ira Kelley and wife, Kathy, Kyle Mallory-Macdonald and fiancée, Kelsey Briggs, and Kameron Woodward; and their great-grandchildren, Hailey Wood, Tyler Wood, Anderson Alley, Layla Merchant, Nathan Alley, Brenna Alley, Jordan McCoy, Hailee McCoy, Jaxon McCoy, Sylis Boobar, Anson Kelley, Bradley Kelley, Cedric Mallory-Macdonald, and Wynn Mallory-Macdonald. Pastor George also leaves his beloved brothers, Vernon Woodward, James Woodward and wife, Doris, and Lloyd Woodward Jr. and wife, Alice; and special nieces and nephew, Crista Wallace and husband, AJ, Marc Woodward and wife, Dee, and Laura Woodward and fiancé, Ryan Beal. Pastor George also is survived by a special aunt, Ina Alley, who was his childhood best friend; and many other special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

Pastor George was predeceased by his infant twin sons, Rickey Newell Woodward and Rodney Nolan Woodward, who returned to the arms of their Savior in 1959; and a dear sister-in-law, Blanche Woodward.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. To 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, at Beals Advent Christian Church, with the service immediately following, officiated by the Rev. Daniel F. Davis. Arrangements are in care of McClure Family Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pastor George’s memory can be made to Beals Advent Christian Church of Beals, Maine.