Former mayor, community advocate dies

Former Decatur Mayor Martin Woodruff died Monday. He was 75. 
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Wise County Messenger
By Austin Jackson 
January 08, 2024

Martin Woodruff, a community pillar most known for his years of service to the City of Decatur, died Monday. 

He was 75.

After joining the Decatur City Council in 2004, Woodruff would go on to lead as Decatur’s mayor for eight-and-a-half years.

His 16 years of service on the council — and 19 with the Decatur Economic Development Corporation Board — ended in 2020, only after meeting the term limits in place for mayor and council members.

While no longer on the Decatur council in an official capacity, Woodruff’s advocacy efforts remained with United Way Wise County, leading fundraising efforts that injected life into various local charities and nonprofit organizations, like he had for decades.

Woodruff was a Vietnam War veteran, a former POCO Graphite employee, an organizer, a mentor, a source of knowledge and a man who was not afraid to challenge others in the community to serve alongside him.

“There will never be another Martin Woodruff,” said Decatur City Manager Nate Mara.

Woodruff had an encyclopedic knowledge of Decatur and Wise County, and he shared this oral history with anyone who was curious.

He lent his voice to his community in a civic capacity and through music, singing at FUMC Decatur and the Decatur Lions Club. He grew up in Decatur and followed in his father’s footsteps to become mayor. 

In the weeks before his death, Woodruff still served on the Decatur Building Standards Commission. He volunteered on many other boards and community organizations, even as he battled cancer and the prognosis grew dire.

The city council and staff learned of Woodruff’s passing just before the meeting Monday. 

“Mayor Woodruff served our community with dedication and distinction, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him,” Mara said in an email, announcing Woodruff’s passing. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his dear wife Jana and the entire Woodruff family during this difficult time. We understand that this is a profound loss, and we want to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences. As we come together to support one another during this challenging period, let us remember the positive contributions Mayor Woodruff made to our community and the legacy he leaves behind.”

Mara and McQuiston stayed late at Decatur City Hall to reflect on their mentor and friend. Woodruff helped shaped them as leaders, they said, through coaching, encouragement and by the two striving to live up to the example Woodruff set.

They’re just a few of the people Woodruff challenged to be more for the betterment of their city.

Arrangements are currently pending with Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

This story will be updated.