In Memory

Woodrow Dill

Woodrow Dill

DILL Woodrow W. "Woody" Jr., CLU (73), passed away May 14, 2020 after courageously battling leukemia for over a year. The son of the late Woodrow W. Dill, Sr. and Edith G. Dill, he is survived by his loving wife Julie N. Dill; sons, Woodrow W. "Trip" Dill, III, Ryan Dill (Beau Halen), Mark (Alison) Dill; daughter, Meredith (Brad) Bernhard; a granddaughter, Raegan; mother-in-law Eleanor B. Newman; brother-in-law David (Susan) Newman; sister-in-law, Mary Beth (Joe) Oakley; and nephews. As a graduate of Lake Forest High School in Lake Forest, IL, Woody earned First Team All-Conference honors in baseball and football. He chose to continue playing baseball in college and graduated from Denison University. He went on to earn his Certified Life Underwriting Degree (CLU) from the American College of Life Underwriting in Pennsylvania. Woody believed wholeheartedly in the importance of committing to the things you love, as evidenced by that which he was loyal to in his life. Woody served in the U.S. Army and loved his country. He finished his Army career in the reserves with a rank of sergeant. A hard-worker his entire life, Woody was Senior Vice President, in charge of the Employee Benefits Division, of Marsh and McLennan Agency (formerly Powell, Walton and Milward, Inc.) for 40 years. Woody greatly appreciated those with whom he worked and all of his clients regardless of their business size. It is rare and lucky to work with people you love, and Woody had the great joy of experiencing this at PWM. Woody valued commitment to bettering the community, particularly through loving and positively influencing the lives of children. For many years he served as a Big Brother and on the Board of Directors at Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2009, he was elected to their Hall of Fame. Baseball pervaded Woody's life and he spent many years as a coach at Northern and Eastern Little League. He coached Trip's team, the Cardinals, to a League Championship and his All Star team that later went to the State Championship. Woody also coached Mark on the Pirates, and Mark's All Star team that went to the State Championship. Woody cherished his time as a coach, and players often said he was the best coach they ever had. Years later, he still loved being called Coach. Woody also loved golf and was a 40+ year member of Spring Valley Golf Club. He served two years as President of the Club. Woody was a loyal member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he married his beloved wife, Julie, 27 years ago. He served two terms as a Deacon, two terms on the Finance Committee as its Chairman, one term as Chairman of the Personnel Committee. He also helped teach children's Sunday school for ten years. As successful and accomplished as he was as a businessman and coach, Woody was an even better husband and father. He taught his children by example: to love unconditionally, to grow as a person throughout life, to laugh often, to be kind to everyone, and to be loyal to that which matters most. Special thanks to Dr. Monty Metcalfe and Dr. Barry Schumer for their care throughout the past year. A drive-by visitation will begin on Sat., May 30, 2020 from 2-6pm, Milward-Man O'War, 1509 Trent Blvd. Visitors will remain in their cars and follow directions from our lot attendants. A private service will be observed by the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 150 East High Street, Lexington, KY 40507 or Big Brothers Big Sisters, 181 W. Lowry Lane #150, Lexington, KY 40503. www.milwardfuneral.com.



 
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12/29/20 09:48 AM #2    

Tim Feemster

I also played sports with Woody and he was very good athelete.  I was his catcher in baseball and he was a good pitcher. My wife Gretchen also knew Woody as he went to school with her in grade school and actually attended one of her birthday parties at her house in Highland Park.  Our prayers are with the family.  Thanks for posting the notice on this site.


12/29/20 10:25 AM #3    

Skip Justice

May he rest in peace


12/29/20 12:03 PM #4    

James Kahle

This is terrible news. Such a good man, friend and athlete. Very sad.

12/29/20 12:24 PM #5    

Kathleen McCall

I am so saddened by this news. Woody was one of my most favorite people growing up. We lived a block away from each other, played baseball in the streets of our neighborhood and carpooled together to high school, along with his cousins, Carl and Nacy Dill. The admirable qualities of character he displayed thoughout his life were evident then. Anyone was fortunate to know him. His family, baseball team members, Sunday school children, and work associates were more than blessed to have him in their midst. They will remain rewarded by his legacy. Fare you well, dear Coach. 


12/29/20 04:16 PM #6    

Beth Shoulberg (Johnson)

Yesterday, I was notified that emails to Woody were bouncing from this, our Class website.  So I began some research as to how to find Woody.  With such sadness, I found the attached obituary.  Woody was a wonderful Lake Bluff friend.  So honorable.  So kind.  He will be greatly missed.


12/30/20 12:40 AM #7    

Frederick Freeman

I am truly saddened by this news. Even as a school age lad Woody behaved as a gentleman. I admired this in him. During our junior high summers Woody and I were on the same Lake Bluff Little League team. He was a lefty and the best pitcher in the league. He also played in the band and orchestra. When we participtated in the all-region high school orchestra, Woody sat first chair clarinet. He played all the solos very beautifully. Students from the other high schools complimented his sonorous tone and overall excellent musicianship. In reading his biography it is clear that Woody modeled kindness and excellence in all of his endeavors.


12/30/20 11:51 AM #8    

Timothy Boberg

Since I was not a high school (or college) athlete, I only knew Woody as a "jock", who was also a really nice guy. During summer breaks from college, I worked for Tangley Oaks, and played on their softball team. We once played the Lake Bluff Post Office team, which Woody was on. I can't remeber who won, but it was fun being on the same field with him. I never heard of anyone having a bad word to say about Woddy, which is a pretty high accolade. RIP.   


12/30/20 07:59 PM #9    

Karen Wood (Burlingame)

Woody was a sweet kind guy.  I found some pictures that may bring back some memoriess.


12/31/20 05:23 PM #10    

Carey Smith


12/31/20 05:27 PM #11    

Carey Smith

Woodrow was among my closest friends in 8th grade and high school.  We must have double dated a hundred times.  This picture was taken at my sister's wedding.  He and his wife came all the way from kentucky to attend.


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