Harrison Charles Woodruff
July 25, 1947 ~ March 15, 2023
ROCKY MOUNT – Harrison Charles Woodruff, age 75, passed away on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Harrison was born the younger son of Julia “Joy” Caggiano and Harry Woodruff in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 25, 1947. While in Philadelphia he met and fell in love with Christina “Tina” Lalli and in 1976 they married. Harrison and Tina relocated for his job with Hardee’s and at almost each relocation they took away a little more than what they had arrived with. In Buffalo, NY they braved the cold winters and welcomed their first son, Robert. Shortly after they moved to Detroit, MI and then to Lexington, KY where they were blessed with their second son, Brandon. Finally, they moved to the location of the Hardee’s headquarters – Rocky Mount, NC – where they rounded out their family with a daughter, Katherine “Katie”. Rocky Mount was the place they decided to love and call home.
Harrison was an active father, often getting involved in his sons’ soccer and supporting his daughter’s artistic endeavors. Harrison was also engaged with the community, having never met a stranger. He and Tina developed strong friendships during their time in Rocky Mount. And while these friendships sometimes grew apart, the occasional encounter around town always reignited that bond as though no time had passed.
After a life filled with hard work in various roles, Harrison happily retired. While in retirement and as expected, he picked up hobbies. But these weren’t just any hobbies, they often mirrored those of his closest friends which is a testament to how involved he was with those he loved. Near the end of his time here he had become an avid photographer, computer and technology enthusiast, and horrible drone pilot. Harrison also enjoyed the finer things in life! There was no food or drink that was too fancy for him. His discerning and sophisticated taste often made for some interesting and fun dinner dates.
He also shared his love of nature with his children, including many memorable camping trips and beach visits. As Harrison got older, he continued to want to explore nature. Sometimes he became a little too adventurous on his excursions. His trips were always memorable and after hearing the stories, Harrison’s children were relieved he had returned! He was especially blessed to travel with his closest friends and family, who shared his love for nature and adventure. Harrison’s highlights of these excursions would be shared through carefully orchestrated productions of photos and music. And yet the most memorable picture is that of the smile he had while sharing these snapshots with all of us.
Harrison was preceded in death by his soulmate, Tina. He has been reunited with her and we are comforted knowing he is at peace.Harrison is survived by his sons, Robert (Monika) Woodruff, and Brandon (Cheryl) Woodruff, and his daughter, Katie Dutch. He is also survived by his older brother Lou (Tina) Woodruff and his dearest, lifelong friends Gary Craig, Joey Floyd, and Jim and Rebecca Teismann. He leaves behind five grandchildren: The firstborn – Jadyn – whom he was most protective over, Derek who shares Harrison’s giving nature and love for soccer, Archer who says Pops gave the best hugs, Piper to whom Harrison referred to as ‘Princess’, and his littlest spitfire Bria who reminded him so much of Tina.
A Celebration of Harrison’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Visitation with the family will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that you share a memory of Harrison so that his family and friends may be reminded of just how special he was. Please send your memories to RememberingHarrison@gmail.com or post at www.wheelerwoodlief.com, where you may also share condolences.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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We were so sorry to hear of Harrison’s passing. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Harrison and Tina in Rocky Mount and became dear lifelong friends. Spending our holidays together while raising our children, along with welcoming the birth of Katie, were special times for us in Rocky Mount. I still miss calling Tina for a recipe. Harrison will be missed, I can only imagine how wonderful it is to be reunited with his soulmate. Sending big hugs to Robert, Brandon and Katie 😘Patty and Peter
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I only met Harrison once many years ago, but I feel like I know him like family. This is because he and my brother, Joe Floyd, were like family. I met Harrison and Tina at their home when we visited from Oklahoma and they were so welcoming. For over 30 years I have seen many pictures and heard about many vacations to the beach at Thanksgiving. I know he was an important part of my brother’s North Carolina family. So glad they were all there for each other when we blood family were away in other states. I remember getting updates about their kids and grandkids. I know Harrison will be greatly missed by many people whom he touched in ways that were outside of his blood family. Robert, Brandon and Katie I am so sorry for your loss, but know his memory will reside in many moments in many lives.
I grew up with Rob and was always welcome in the Woodruff household. As someone who grew up around Harrison, I can say that he never ever treated me with anything but kindness. His home was always open to me regardless of the time of day or even the time of the year. I spent many mornings, afternoons and overnights with Tina and Harrison including a Christmas Eve in my adulthood when my own parents were in TN. They all welcomed me as a part of the holiday and not a single disparaging or sarcastic comment was made about my awkward presence. Only love.
Even when I showed my worst in adolescence Harrison’s calm attitude showed me that there was redemption in a strong family. His home felt so comfortable to me that I used to yell “Lucy, I’m home!” when I came in. No one seemed to mind my lack of self awareness and I was always offered whatever they thought I needed including a meal and a place to sleep.
When my buddy Rob went away to college, I stayed behind and Harrison insisted that I take over cutting the grass at his unique and well-loved home on Eagles Terrace. He would often pay me sight unseen. That makes him one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. I’ll never forget how he treated me in my adolescence even though I wasn’t his kid. It was like everyone was Harrison’s equal. I do my best to mirror that in my relationships. As I grew into adulthood and also a roommate of Rob’s, Harrison was always ready and available to make sure the normal good times were even better.
I remember his quick wit and humor in addition to his off-the-wall takes on life. No one I’ve ever known lived like Harrison and as one of Rob’s friends we all wondered what it would be like to be him. I will always be thankful I got to personally share in some of Harrison’s escapades for almost 2 decades.
Q: What will you never forget about Harrison?
A: Engaging nature with family and friends… I’m the cookie guy! Always had cookies at Robs! Joint birthday parties in the woods behind eagles terrace (I even remember the old cars). Engaging his his children’s friends and making EVERYONE feel welcome. Engaging holidays and special occasions. Sharing spirits (when we were close to ‘of age’) on the back deck. Just plain good conversations where you know someone is engaged and listening. RIP Harrison and hugs 🫂 for Rob, Brandon, and Katie!! ❤️
Harrisons memory will live on in your hearts and memories shared with generations to come. Much love and sympathy.
We write this with heavy hearts… Harrison and his wife, Tina, their children and their good friends, have been in our lives during our 10 plus years residing in Rocky Mount. Dan has also had the pleasure to work with them both. Their friendship was invaluable and we feel fortunate to have known them.
To Katie, Brandon, and Robert… may the love of your family and friends comfort and strengthen you during these difficult times and in the days ahead. We are so terribly sorry for your loss.
Love and Peace to you all,
Linda & Dan Bozik
Harrison C. Woodruff – Time
Time: 6AM on August 2, 2003. We, the groomsmen are supposed to be leaving for Rob & Monika’s wedding at noon…and Harrison is on my shoulders chicken fighting in the Courtyard Marriott pool in Huntersville. For those who don’t know, “Chicken fighting is an informal game, often played in a lake or swimming pool, characterized by one team member sitting on the shoulders of his or her teammate. The object of the game is to knock down or separate an opposing team through team effort. The person on top is considered to be the “attacker” while the person below is considered to be the “vehicle”.
Harrison was the attacker; I was the vehicle.
So, the maintenance guy comes in and says, “What in the Hell are you guys doing!?” The place looked like a shipwreck – celebration wares and libations from the previous evening (now morning) were scattered from Lake Norman to Philly. I think there may even have been the remains of a Sicilian Pinata? At least that’s what it looked like.
The hour never dawned on us – we were at an Italian wedding rehearsal dinner! How we didn’t get shut down long before 6AM remains a mystery. There was a shrubbery incident, a pair of missing glasses, and I’m pretty sure my Nokia 3310 is still somewhere at the bottom of that pool.
I’ve known the Woodruffs since I was 14. Harrison, Tina, Rob, Brandon, and Katie welcomed me as one of their own and in turn they became family. Always a seat at the table, a hot meal, and a laugh or two with some good-natured ribbing along the way.
Time: it passes in the blink of an eye when you’re enjoying life, and that’s Harrison Woodruff – a man who loved to live and brought all those around him along for the ride.
Woodruff family, We hope the memories of good times, and the support of family interrupts your sorrow. He leaves a beautiful legacy. With Love,
Your parents were always so good to us Northgreen kids. Im sorry for your loss and celebrate the joy they brought to so many lives with yall.
One of my first and best memories of your Dad include your Mom. Specialty Foods had a big meeting in Rocky Mount for GMs and everyone from around the country. We had a bus tour of all the Executives homes. When we rolled up in front of your house, there was your Mom with a table set up for Hardee’s swag. I believe this was 1985, not sure which of you kids were there, but you were selling the items.
Your Mom and Dad were great fun and over the years, we shared many great times. They are together again!
Rob,
Jolene and I send you our heartfelt condolences. I lost my Mom and Dad 10 years ago, but it seems like yesterday. You are too young to have had this happen to you. You know they will live forever in your heart and in your memories. You know they live through you as you raise your children with the memories of how they raised you. You know that your friends and family will always be there for you, on normal days and in times like these. If you ever want to talk, I am there for you. Just knock on your office wall or peek around your doorway, and we’ll reminisce together about our parents. And most importantly, we’ll smile while doing it.
Jimmy & Jolene Powell
Eulogy for my Father:
(Transition from Uncle Lou’s stories….)
It’s funny Uncle Lou brought up some of their adventures growing up…I also want to talk about how he loved his trips. His adventures!
Over dinner last night we laughed and discussed how these excursions were a 3 step experience for Pops. There was the planning – the trip before the trip. He’d analyze all of the options and sometimes set up documents just to sell one idea over the other until he was convinced he was choosing the best option. The 2nd step was the trip itself, often accompanied by his closest friends and family (and sometimes by himself, equipped with 40 hours of audio books, for 3,007 miles). The 3rd step was the eccentrically orchestrated portrayal of his adventures, packaged into intensely flowing 100-minute long slideshows. As you’re about to see, these productions were orchestrated with sound that would put John Williams to shame! So let’s settle in and enjoy one of his masterpieces! He included two intermissions so please hold your applause and bathroom breaks for the appropriate time.
“Hit the lights Travis!”
– – – – No slideshow – – – –
(Reverend Keith was interested in seeing the screen and I turned to him and said “I’ll get you the cliff notes, you’ll thank me later!” And I thank him again now for his presence and delivery on this day).
When I was 10, Brandon was 7, and Katie was 4 years old, we would play, explore, and camp out in the woods behind our house. He built us this bike trail back there that he maintained. Pops would tell his friends he liked our home because the yard had almost no grass to cut. He didn’t like the yard work. But he would spend entire Saturdays lopping limbs and wailing his axe away at trees and roots to set up that next chicane on the bike path. He did what he wanted to do – for us.
There was a spot along the trail where a Dogwood had grown up and then continued almost parallel with the earth. He told us that maybe this tree was used by earlier settlers to set up traps like the Ewoks did in Star Wars. It added to the mystique. He was marketing.
This dogwood became an integral part of the treehouse he built for us. He had this vision. So our Father acquired some construction scaffolding and set it up around the dogwood in this spot in the woods. Note, it wasn’t technically on our property (for liability purposes of course…he was no dummy!)
I like to think I played a big part in building our treehouse but I couldn’t remember doing much planning or construction on those summer afternoons, mostly observing the progress as I made my timed laps around the dirt circuit.
His engineering sensibility realized it needed to be sturdy to achieve his vision. At some point after setting up this scaffolding, which he didn’t own (yet), Pops decided the framing wasn’t going to be just the means with which he built the structure, it was going to BE the structure. Good bones.
He designed an elevated platform, a deck floor that he cut to fit snug around this leaning dogwood. The tree eventually did that thing where it started growing past the hole like an over-stuffed muffin. He didn’t want to stifle the growth, which was important to him. He did want the treehouse to be a part of the dogwood’s life though. Just like his kids, he wanted to be close, but never in the way.
The deck led to an enclosed shelter equipped with two shuttered windows. The rear one framed a view he curated by managing saplings and impeding limbs. He was framing a picture for us.
He installed a trap door through the floor so we could be sneaky. I remember he rounded the corners on that door so we wouldn’t stab ourselves or catch our clothes.
He may have rounded corners with this treehouse, but he didn’t cut any.
As you ascended to the roof, the upper deck, you were greeted with a large branch extending over the treehouse from a nearby sycamore. Again, he chose to leave nature as it was. It wasn’t in his way, it became part of this tower in the woods. He embraced the outliers.
I remember we’d stand on this branch 15’ in the air (but only a few feet from the treehouse roof), enjoying its springiness. If you wanted down from this height, you had 3 options:
1) Climb down the scaffolding…lame.
2) Slide down the 18’ high PVC fireman’s pole; or
3) Swing back to ground level from the 35’ zip line!
That’s right, like flying in a seaplane onto a glacier, this ride wasn’t for the faint of heart, nor was it covered under our homeowner’s insurance policy!
But if you weren’t quite ready to head back down to earth, you could climb up to the very top. Dad called this the “Crows’ Nest”. From here we could observe – watching our friends throw pine cones at each other, or race their bikes around the track he built, or fly down the zip line, or just watch the sunset.
This (photo) right here is Pops in the Crows’ nest, and he’s watching over us from above.
Love you Pops!