Gerald, (Gary) William Woodford was born November 26, 1945 to Ted and Bonnie (Ayers) Woodford in Hot Springs, SD. He spent most of his childhood in the Custer area, graduating from Custer High School in 1964. He left briefly to attend Black Hills State College and obtained a degree in Business Administration.

As an adult, Gary cut timber, worked for Boeing, the US Forest Service, a buffalo ranch, finally settling on a career as a nursing home administrator. He spent the first 2 years in Ipswich, SD returning to Custer in 1974 to manage the Colonial Manor until he retired in 1994. He devoted the next several years to operating Woodford Construction and Woodford Logging until becoming the Custer County Highway Superintendent from 2009-2019.

He was a lifelong rancher and truly enjoyed his cows, especially the calves. Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, camping and spending time at Angostura with family and friends. He was always an avid 'car guy,' he could tell you when the events of his life happened by what car he drove.

During his time in Custer Gary was a member of the Custer Volunteer Fire Department, the Masonic Lodge, Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church, the South Dakota Healthcare Association, the Custer Community Hospital Board of Directors and the Custer School Board.

Gary will be missed by his wife, Sue (Scott); children, Kim (Mike) Miles; Mike (Heidi) Woodford; Tanner (Jill) Woodford; Vicki (Brad) Gray; Betsy (Trent) Shearer and Cassie Plooster. His grandchildren, Kennedee, Kody, Rachelle, Zoey, Lane, Ava, Hayze, Dani, Aly and Nate. Great grandchildren, Autumn & Elliott.

Gary passed away peacefully on January 13 ^th at the Custer Hospital. Following a private graveside burial a Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company, 140 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer, SD, on Friday, January 20 ^th , at 3pm. In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations be made in his name to the Custer Volunteer Fire Department or Custer County Search and Rescue.

Arrangements have been placed under the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, SD.