Terry Joseph "TJ" Woodruff

Terry Joseph Woodruff, lovingly known to all as TJ, was born on July 5, 1943, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Terry and Daisy Mae (Hopkins) Woodruff. He was the fourth of six children and the first son, growing up in the close-knit community of Cabbagetown alongside his sisters and brothers, Buna, Pat, Jerry, and Harold. The bond and love they learned for one another in childhood remained strong throughout their entire lives.

TJ took his final breath on January 14, 2026, surrounded by love — just as he lived.

TJ first met the love of his life, Faye Miller, about 1956 when she was in fourth grade. They started dating in 1962, and they were married on July 31, 1964. Together they shared 61 beautiful years of love, laughter, and devotion. Though they never had children of their own, they adored their four-legged babies — especially their beloved Libby — who were treated just like family. Their nieces and nephews were their “adopted kids,” and TJ spoiled each and every one of them completely rotten.

In 1967, TJ was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country until 1969, including service in Vietnam. He served with courage in a time that was not easy, in a war that was not always understood, carrying that weight with quiet strength and dignity. His service will never be forgotten, and his sacrifice will always be honored.

TJ had a smile that could brighten any room and a laugh that could lift even the heaviest heart. He was always the life of the party, effortlessly bringing people together with his warmth, humor, and genuine love for others. But beyond the laughter, TJ was deeply kind — thoughtful, gentle, and always ready to show up for anyone in need. His family meant everything to him, and he had a rare gift for making those he loved feel protected, cherished, and never alone.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Daisy Woodruff; sisters and brothers-in-law Buna Mae and Billy Jordan, Pat and Gordon Batchelor; sister-in-law Gail Woodruff; brother and sister-in-law Harold and Seleana Woodruff; father and mother-in-law James and Velma Miller; brothers and sisters-in-law Olin and Peggy Miller, Darrell Miller, Toney Miller, Doyle Miller; sisters and brothers-in-law Dot and Frank Lee, Sara and Ed Thomas, Pat and David Reynolds, Glenda Chandler; and nephews and nieces Ann Lyons, Ricky Chandler, Kathy Stanton, Lori Ann Chandler, Davey Reynolds, Cameron Roe, Lynn Thomas, Eddie Thomas,

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 61 years, Faye Woodruff, and their four-legged baby Libby; brother Jerry Woodruff; sister-in-law Betty Miller; and many loving nieces and nephews: Dawn Reynolds, Denise Roe, Bill Jordan(Tammy), Kim Collins(Dewayne), James Woodruff, Amanda Harris(Ashley), Jerrica Crim(Matt), Shirley Hensley, Rusty Lee, Patsy Lee, Linda (Ed) Howerton, Judy Ackerman, Billy Chandler, Vickie (Billy) Watson, Jimmy (Kim) Miller, Kim (Marty) Yager, Cynthia (Stuart) Butters, Debbie (Rickey) Jones, Toney Miller, Sissy McConnell along with many great and great-great nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Special thanks to Longleaf Hospice and Debbie and Dawn for your love and continued support during TJ’s final days.

A memorial service for TJ will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, 3:00 P.M. at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, Covington, Georgia, with Alex Stevens and Jamie Jordan officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, January 24, from 1:00 - 3:00 P.M.