Donald Gene Woodard

Donald Gene “Don” Woodard 

June 28, 1937 – September 19, 2026

Donald Gene “Don” Woodard, 89, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on September 19, 2026. He was born June 28, 1937, in Clay Center, Kansas.

Don proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959 before making Arizona his home. He was the longtime owner of Sunnyslope Auto Repair and Machine, located on North Central Avenue in Phoenix, where he built a reputation for his knowledge of automobiles and high-performance Ford engines, particularly the 427 and 428 FE.

A lifelong racing enthusiast, Don began racing in Colorado and later competed in NHRA drag racing, followed by racing throughout Arizona. He raced at Manzanita Speedway, participated in the Arizona Sports Racing Association (ASRA) and SCCA, competed at Phoenix International Raceway, including the Copper World Classic, and took part in the Clifton and Bisbee hill climbs.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Woodard, in 1989.

He is survived by his son, Scott Woodard, and Scott’s wife, Lauren, and their two daughters, Taylor and Madison.

His racing number was 75, but those who knew him will remember Don Woodard as one of a kind.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 9:30 am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society.