Sergeant (Retired) Avon Earl Woodard Jr., 71, of Rockford departed this earthly life on May 25, 2019 in his home, surrounded by his family. Born on March 7, 1948 in Annapolis, MD, son of Avon and Beatrice Anderson Woodard Sr. Graduate of Wiley H. Bates High School. Avon served his country in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. United in marriage to Mary Jo Copeland on March 7, 1975 in Annapolis, MD. Survived by his wife, Mary Jo Copeland Woodard; children, Avon Earl Woodard III, Angela Woodard-Masbruch, Michael Woodard; grandchildren, Damon, Jacie, Juda, and Jackson; siblings, Andre, Eddie, Rhonda and Jeff. Preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Eric Wayne Woodard. Celebration of Life on Friday, May 31, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford. Interment in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elburn. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .