Edward M. Woodward, Jr., of Columbia, SC, entered into eternal rest on March 8, 2026, peacefully at home at the age of 77.

He was born on February 19, 1949, in Columbia to the late Edward Mobley Woodward, Sr. and Honoria Maybin Woodward.

Ed is survived by his adoring wife of 47 years, Marcia Iseman Woodward; his children, Martha (Jason) Jennings of Holly Springs, NC, and Rev. Joe (Sarah) Woodward of Augusta, GA; and his grandchildren, Jackson Jennings, Maxwell Jennings, Benjamin Woodward, and Theodore Woodward. He is also survived by his sisters, Susan (Jim) Wright of Lexington, SC, and Nancy (Borton) Twiford of Isle of Palms, SC; his sister-in-law Deborah (Lawrence) Molnar; his brother-in-law Michael (Deborah) Iseman; his niece Kristin and his nephews Mike, Michael, Patrick and Tom, in addition to many cherished friends and extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. John Woodward, and brothers-in-law Jim Wright and Daniel Iseman.

Ed graduated from The Citadel in 1971, earning a bachelor's degree, and later graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1978 with his Juris Doctor. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force working with the Minuteman missile system during the Cold War as part of the Strategic Air Command's nuclear deterrent.

Ed was a partner at Woodward, Cothran & Herndon for decades. He was also a founding board member of Christ Central Ministries, serving the community through its work with addiction recovery and homelessness. He served the SC Synod as its volunteer attorney and on the board of the James R. Crumley Jr. Archives. He was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and served multiple terms on the church council.

Ed was a man of strong faith and began each day reading the Bible. He was passionate about teaching his family and others about the Lord, often serving as a Sunday School leader and hosting Bible studies over the years, even switching to Zoom for more than a year during COVID. His knowledge, especially in a game of Bible trivia, was always impressive. Ed loved his devoted wife, Marcia, and especially appreciated hosting family meals and gatherings at their home. He was an avid storyteller and cared deeply for family and close friends, who were often the subjects of his legendary tales. He was a proud grandfather to his four grandsons in their many sports and activities, including the recent tradition of a SC safari ride. He will always be remembered for his booming laughter and quick wit. Many will miss his advice from a "wise man" who once told him something.

Ed will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community—everyone who spent time getting to know the man we fondly call "Big Ed."

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, with the committal following in the church's memorial garden. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in the church's narthex.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Christ Central Ministries in Columbia, SC.