Clarence Woodall, Jr., 99, Longtime Princeton Resident, Dies

Woodall was a beloved father, grandfather, and community leader who spent his retirement years in The Villages, Florida.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Clarence Allen Woodall, Jr., a lifelong resident of Princeton, Kentucky, passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 99 in his home in The Villages, Florida. Woodall was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, as well as a community leader and musician who was involved in various organizations in Princeton over his decades-long career.

Why it matters

Woodall's passing marks the end of an era for Princeton, as he was a pillar of the community for over 50 years, serving in leadership roles, playing music, and running a successful insurance and real estate business founded by his father. His life story reflects the changing times in small-town America, from his early musical pursuits to his later retirement in Florida's active adult community.

The details

Woodall was born in 1927 in Kuttawa, Kentucky and graduated from Butler High School in Princeton in 1944. He went on to study music at Murray State University and served in the U.S. Army during World War II, marching in victory parades in New York City and Washington, D.C. After the war, Woodall returned to Princeton, where he worked at the family insurance and real estate business, earned his CPCU designation, and was involved in various community organizations like the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce. He also pursued his lifelong passion for music, playing in numerous local bands and orchestras. In 2006, Woodall remarried and moved to The Villages in Florida, where he continued to play music until his passing.

  • Woodall was born on January 15, 1927.
  • He graduated from Butler High School in Princeton in 1944.
  • Woodall served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
  • He married Mary Ann (Walker) Woodall in the 1940s, and they were married for 57 years until her death in 2004.
  • Woodall remarried Deanna (Carr) Woodall in 2006 and they moved to The Villages, Florida in 2008, where he lived until his death on February 16, 2026.

The players

Clarence Allen Woodall, Jr.

A lifelong resident of Princeton, Kentucky who was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and community leader, as well as a passionate musician.

Mary Ann (Walker) Woodall

Woodall's first wife, whom he was married to for 57 years until her death in 2004.

Deanna (Carr) Woodall

Woodall's second wife, whom he married in 2006 and moved with to The Villages, Florida in 2008.

Clarence Allen Woodall, Sr.

Woodall's father, who founded the Woodall Insurance and Real Estate Agency in 1907.

Nellie Grimes Woodall

Woodall's mother.

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What’s next

Woodall's funeral mass will be held on April 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm CDT at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Princeton, followed by a reception at the Princeton Golf Club.

The takeaway

Clarence Woodall, Jr. was a pillar of the Princeton, Kentucky community for over 50 years, leaving a lasting legacy through his involvement in local organizations, his passion for music, and his dedication to his family. His life story reflects the changing times in small-town America and the importance of community engagement and pursuing one's interests, even in retirement.