Woodrow Elwyn Poor

Woodrow Elwyn “Woody” Poor, 81, of Valdese, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.

Woody was born in Juneau, Alaska and raised in Douglas, Alaska. He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Washington State in 1965. He married his college sweetheart, Bobbi, and together they shared 60 wonderful years. Woody served four years in the United States Air Force, living in England and New Mexico, and retired as a Captain in the Medical Corps.

In 1969, Woody began a career as a Manufacturers’ Representative, traveling throughout eight southern states while based in Marietta, GA. In 1994, he purchased Dolly Hosiery in Valdese, NC, which he later sold before retiring in 2005.

Woody was known as one of those rare individuals who “never met a stranger.” A devoted member of Valdese First United Methodist Church, he served on numerous committees including many years as treasurer of the United Methodist Men. He delivered Meals on Wheels for many years, served on the Board of Directors at Agape Retirement Home, and was active in the Burke-Sunrise Rotary Club since 2007. An avid car enthusiast, Woody restored a 1960 Plymouth Fury and owned numerous collector cars.

Woody was preceded in death by an infant son, Derrick Lewis Poor and parents Val A. Poor and Alice E. Poor. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Roberta “Bobbi” Ann Poor; daughter, Mindy Nobis and husband Tommy; son, Andrew Poor and wife Sherry, all of Woodstock, GA; three brothers, Joe Poor, Richard Poor, and Bob Poor; and sister, Danna Siverts. He was the proud grandfather of Jack Poor, Dylan Nobis, Lauren Nobis, and Maddie Poor.

A Celebration of Woody’s Life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday September 13, 2025, in the Valdese First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Brad Hinton and Rev. Wade Ogle officiating. 

If wishing to do something in his memory, please consider donating to:

First United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 637, Valdese, NC 28690

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation at 717 S. Marshall Street, Ste 105B, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese is assisting the family.