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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Edgar S. Woolard, Jr.

Edgar S. Woolard Jr. peacefully passed away on December 4th, 2023, in his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, at the age of 89, surrounded by his family.

Ed was born in Washington, North Carolina. He graduated from North Carolina State College (now University) where he got his degree in industrial engineering. He got his first job at a DuPont plant in Kinston, North Carolina, and had a very rich career with DuPont. He worked at DuPont plants in Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and then transferred to corporate headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. He then rose to the executive level and eventually became the chief executive and chairman of the DuPont Company.

Ed chose to retire early from DuPont to spend more time with his family, and to take his wife Peggy, who loves tennis, to a multitude of professional tennis tournaments around the world. Peggy and Ed both were passionately supportive and involved with the International Tennis Hall of Fame, where Peggy served several terms on their board, and Ed supported her as assistant in chief. As part of their life journey and love of the game of tennis, both Ed and Peggy became close friends with Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss almost 40 years ago, who shared and worked together on the common vision that women tennis players deserve the same compensation and recognition as their male counterparts.

Even after Ed retired from DuPont, he stayed very active in the business world, with service on corporate boards such as Apple, IBM, NY Stock Exchange, and Citigroup, as well as investing in startups and new business ventures. One of the more significant contributions was while Ed was chair of the Apple board, where he led the efforts to bring Steve Jobs back to Apple which enabled the transformation and rebirth of Apple.

Ed was also a passionate philanthropist throughout his life, forming the Woolard Family Foundation, and actively supporting many causes including Sunday Breakfast Mission, Delaware Art Museum, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Christian Outreach Efforts, Autism Delaware, Meals on Wheels, and Christ Church Christiana Hundred. Most importantly, Ed was a proud family man and loved to help and support people in need.

Ed is survived by his lovely bride and high school sweetheart of 67 years, Peggy Harrell Woolard, along with his daughter Lynda Woolard, daughter Annette Woolard-Provine and son-in-law Bill Provine, and his two grandchildren Will Provine and Caroline Provine.

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Funeral Services

A public service for Ed will be held at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Greenville, Delaware on Saturday, December 16th at 11am, followed by a reception in the parish hall.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington, Delaware or North Carolina State University College of Engineering in Raleigh, North Carolina, in Ed’s name.

Condolences

    The Larson Family lit a candle and writes,
    All our love and sympathy go out to Peggy, Lynda and the Provine-Woodard family. We grieve with you during this extremely difficult time.
    12/05/2023 03:31 pm
    Lynda Woolard lit a candle and writes,
    Love you Dad. Pinky
    12/05/2023 03:42 pm
    Gayle Gibson lit a candle and writes,
    I met Ed after he retired. He was approachable, kind and a good listener. A kind soul who offered sage advice. Thank you Ed, and to the Woodard family for sharing him.
    12/05/2023 08:39 pm
    Julie Dixon Kucas lit a candle and writes,
    Thinking of all of the family during this time . Uncle Edgar was such a charismatic and fun person . Of course I’ll cherish the memories of family trips and their visits to Washington. He lead an amazing life.
    12/05/2023 09:16 pm
    Donald & Carol Provine writes,
    Ed was good guy. He will be missed’
    12/05/2023 09:48 pm
    Ruth Beresford writes,
    Our prayers for you, Peggy, Annie, Bill, Lynda, Will, and Caroline. May Ed join the whole company of heaven as his Lord welcomes him with the words, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Faithfully, Ruth
    12/06/2023 06:38 am
    Hal Snyder writes,
    Ed, impacted in a very positive manner thousands of lives at DuPont, including mine. I still walk around with several of his sayings (proverbs) in my mind that have helped me be a better person. I know many other people who would say the same. Not only did Mr Woolard run the company well, he made the employees of the company better, more moral individuals. Our prayers are with his family.
    12/06/2023 10:03 am
    kay koplovitz lit a candle and writes,
    I knew Ed primarily through Peggy and Ed's commitment to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He was a quiet force behind so many improvements at the ITHF, bringing together many friends and colleagues from his professional life. To Peggy and family , Bill and I offer our condolences , His gentle personality and effective stewardship are attributes that will long be remembered. God rest his soul.
    12/06/2023 11:42 am
    Don and Romana Scornavacca writes,
    Our prayers are with his family
    12/06/2023 04:49 pm
    Stephen & Pauline Patterson lit a candle and writes,
    Condolences and love to Lynda and her family at this sad time. May your Dad rest in peace and may you and your family feel our love and support from across the world. Love , Pauline and Stephen.
    12/06/2023 05:06 pm
    Maria Perez writes,
    You sound like an incredible man. Wish I had met you. You raised an amazing daughter and Lynda. My condolences the family.
    12/06/2023 05:16 pm
    Mary Tom Dixon Hink writes,
    So sorry about Uncle Edgar. Very glad we visited with Peggy and Edgar last March. Such a special time. Love to you all.
    12/06/2023 08:30 pm
    Pam Shriver lit a candle and writes,
    Peggy, Tennis has given me the gift of friends and fellowship for over 50 years. Because of this wonderful lifetime sport, I got to be friends with you and Ed! Ed’s smile and positive outlook will stay with me always. 🙏🏼
    12/07/2023 02:09 am
    Kim Nicholls lit a candle and writes,
    Aunt Peggy, Annette, and Lynda- Paula and I are sad that Uncle Ed has passed. A great business leader and family man. Peace and prayers go out to the Woolard family.
    12/07/2023 06:01 am
    Lori Reed lit a candle and writes,
    Sending many prayers to Peggy and her family and friends. The best part of my day was calling Ed to tell him about Peggy’s schedule. I will miss his cheerfulness and witty sayings he always told me. He made me feel appreciated and I truly will miss our talks. I know God got a great angel and he will look down and be by our sides. Rest in Peace my friend ❤️🙏🏻
    12/07/2023 08:52 am
    Bill Steed writes,
    So sorry, Peggy. Mom, and everyone, loved your time in Camden. And I enjoyed being with you in Wilmington.
    12/07/2023 10:12 am
    Wayne Leathers lit a candle and writes,
    Ed Woodard was one of the “Great” CEO’s of all time at DuPont. I send my best wishes to the family in this difficult time.
    12/07/2023 10:56 am
    B H writes,
    Condolences from all of us here at the Florida plant. He was truly a leader for us all.
    12/07/2023 11:33 am
    Andrea B Cavalier lit a candle and writes,
    my condolences to the family.
    12/07/2023 12:22 pm
    Franni Hylinski writes,
    I was a very young woman working in Textile Fibers with him as our General Manager. What a true gentleman while being kind and humble. Always a smile when he passed you in the hall. So very sorry to hear of his passing.
    12/07/2023 01:55 pm
    Cathy Andriadis lit a candle and writes,
    It was a great honor and privilege to work with Ed over the years. He was a wonderful leader, mentor and supporter to so many. I felt so fortunate to know him. My heartfelt condolences to his family. He will be dearly missed.
    12/07/2023 04:18 pm
    Lynn J. Bell writes,
    One of my most prized processions that hangs on my basement wall office/museum is a personal note sent to me on my twenty-fifth anniversary with the DuPont Company from Ed Woolard. There was so many very great folks there and Ed was one of the best. My condolences to the family and friends. He will be missed.
    12/07/2023 07:58 pm
    Nancy Smith Marks writes,
    Edgar's big sister, Barbara (Bobbie), was my best friend growing up in Washington, N. C. We trained him well, didn't we ???? He and his big sister were always special, as were all the members of Peggy's wonderful family. They always made us proud !! Love, prayers, and blessings to Peggy and their girls. His beautiful smile and loving and supportive manner have blessed so many during his long and most successful life. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of this special life ---
    12/08/2023 08:12 am
    Ben duPont lit a candle and writes,
    Ed Woolard was an inspiring servant leader, who transformed DuPont and saved Apple, touching many lives along the way. He had a quiet competence that we miss today. I met him first in 1988, and have been friends ever since. I will miss him, and his warm smile and firm handshake.
    12/08/2023 11:14 am
    Laura Nicholls lit a candle and writes,
    Peggy and family - My prayers for peace and God's comfort go out to all of you. I only had the privilege of meeting Ed a few times, but he left a pleasant memory as being a kind and thoughtful man. Jay respected him and spoke of him often.
    12/08/2023 01:35 pm
    Alexis Pineault lit a candle and writes,
    Ed you have made a difference to many and will be missed dearly. My deepest sympathy to Peggy and family. Sending light and love to you all.
    12/08/2023 09:45 pm
    C Murphy writes,
    Condolences for the family. DuPont has gone downhill since the days Ed was there. Old Hickory, TN is no longer a DuPont site. Ed was once Plant Mgr there.
    12/09/2023 10:57 am
    Carol A Tavani, MD writes,
    Ed was one in a million, not only brilliant and accomplished, but a down to earth, unforgettable nice guy. I so admired him. He was a tremendous asset to our community and beyond. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
    12/09/2023 08:57 pm
    Danielle & Kevin Sullivan writes,
    To Annie and the whole family, please accept our message of sympathy following the loss of Ed. He was successful in business, helping out in the community and most importantly, in building a wonderful family. His spirit will carry on with his children, grandchildren and extended family when you support an important cause, take part in a family celebration -- and even enjoy a tennis match. Regards.
    12/10/2023 11:29 am
    Jane Eastlund lit a candle and writes,
    My sincere condolences to the Woolard family. I had the pleasure of knowing Ed through Chris Clouser and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Ed was one of a kind! I'll remember his North Carolina accent and his easy-going manner. What a wonderful, generous man!
    12/10/2023 03:02 pm
    James W. (Jim) Chappell lit a candle and writes,
    I was a young engineer working at the Old Hickory plant in the 1960's. Ed was my Supt. I was transferred to Wilmington, DE in 1970 to 1973, One afternoon, I was on the street corner waiting for a light. I looked and Ed was standing on the same corner. He looked around and said, "How are you doing, Jim. " I was so surprised that he even remembered me, much less my name. I never forgot that encounter. He had a great memory for names and always treated people kindly. He will be missed.
    12/10/2023 07:42 pm
    Joffre Robert Fisher JrE writes,
    Ed was my cousin and also my godfather. I have many fond memories of Ed growing up in "little Washington". He and Barbara were a large part of our family, and we spent as much time as possible at the summer haven house during the summers. We all called him " Buddy" back then. We followed him to N.C. State University and have had many long conversations on the status of the various Wolfpack sports teams. My deepest condolences to Peggy and the girls and all the family. He will be greatly missed.
    12/10/2023 08:53 pm
    Paul Bechly lit a candle and writes,
    Ed, Thank you for all of your guidance during my DuPont years and beyond. Rest in peace knowing that you will be always remembered.
    12/11/2023 10:27 am
    Thomas J Laymon writes,
    Ed was such a friend to the Mission! Without announcement he would just bring in donations of clothing --things that were wonderful to care for the hurting. It was always a joy to talk with him about God, his family and the Mission.
    12/11/2023 01:09 pm
    Mary Tadlock Mielke writes,
    “Uncle” Ed was always so kind. My sympathies and prayers for peace to Peggy, Annette, and Lynda. From, cousin Mary
    12/11/2023 02:46 pm
    Pat McCollough writes,
    Our prayers are with the family.
    12/12/2023 02:19 am
    Dr. James Fierro lit a candle and writes,
    Being Mr. Woolard's doctor and friend in Wilmington, DE. was a privilege. We shared a mutual respect, for he was always very appreciative of my services. He was a dignified, down to earth, good man, who displayed true moral and ethical character! May he rest in peace and God bless him and his family. Dr. James Fierro
    12/12/2023 08:51 am
    Thomas Lapp writes,
    As a DuPont employee during his leadership, I may have only encountered him once or twice in a large meeting. However, he showed that he was a compassionate man during those brief encounters. My colleagues and I considered him the "sweater CEO" as he had a fondness for wearing zip-up sweaters.
    12/13/2023 09:55 am
    The Wetherill Family writes,
    Dear Annie & Bill, We were so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
    12/13/2023 10:34 pm
    Bridget Little writes,
    As a young college student, in the mid 1980's, I worked summers at DuPont. One day, I covered phones for a group of secretaries, who were at a training seminar. My first call was from a frantic employee, who was stuck at an airport overseas, without his address book. He implored me to find someone, anyone, to help find out where he was supposed to be. In what appeared to be an empty floor, I finally found someone. I marched right into his grand office, startling him with my unexpected presence. This man turned out to be Mr. Woolard. He graciously took the call, much to the surprise of the lost traveler, as well as returning secretaries. I have always remembered his kindness.
    12/14/2023 06:08 pm
    Kirk Morledge lit a candle and writes,
    I never had the privilege of meeting Ed. I wish I had. The first time I ever heard of him was tonight, as I sit here in my reading chair on the other side of the Country reading Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs. I am reading Ed's words. I am hearing his voice. I am hearing others talk about him. I am 3,000 miles from Delaware but I can feel the kindness that distinguished his life. I can sense his wisdom. His integrity. His deep and abiding faith. I am inspired by his desire to serve others--no matter their rank or station. I am grateful for the obvious strength of his marriage, in a world where marriages seem to be falling apart. Here at home tonight with a book in my hands I realize Ed has touched my life. His efforts have helped me strengthen the bonds I have with my friends and my loved ones. The company he helped rescue was nearly dead when God sent Ed to Apple. I give thanks tonight for Ed and his life--and for his work. Not just his work for business but his labors for God's Kingdom business. Thank you, God, for putting people like Ed in this world. Thank You for the example he showed us and for letting me see a bit of that tonight. Help his witness to give us hope and courage as we try to follow You.
    12/15/2023 01:32 am
    William Kirk writes,
    Ed had a major impact on me and the growth of the agricultural business which was small in 1980s and grew into a large business. He was a great supporter even in difficult times.
    12/16/2023 08:37 am
    Larry Burgin writes,
    I met Ed in the 1980s while I was working for nylon in Wilmington. He was an amazing leader with an impressive memory. Every time he saw me around the buildings or at special events, he called me by name and struck up a conversation. Even many years later, he still knew my name when we met at a Jeff Gordon event. He was an inspirational leader. I made many presentations to him over the years and I always knew that he probably knew more about my subject than I did. I learned to never "estimate" an answer to his questions. A truly great guy now in the presence of God.
    12/16/2023 10:52 am
    James V Forte writes,
    Ed brought about significant changes to the DuPont Company. He championed diversity and should always be remembered for his many contributions as the Company's leader.
    12/16/2023 11:16 am
    Henri Irrthum writes,
    I was privileged, like so many DuPonter's, to have worked and grown under Ed's inspiring and transformational leadership, at a period when DuPont was faced with intense international competition. He always showed empathy and support towards me at key moments in my career and was instrumental in successfully setting up my consulting business after retirement from DuPont. His impressive legacy will always stay with us. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the family.
    12/18/2023 05:40 am
    Salim Ibrahim writes,
    My deepest sympathy to Peggy and the Woolard family. Ed was a great human being, a great visionary and a great friend. He made the difference in people’s lives including mine and a positive difference in the success of businesses in DuPont. May He rest in Peace. Salim and Joyce Ibrahim
    12/18/2023 11:03 am
    Nancy Smith Marks lit a candle and writes,
    I knew Edgar, Jr., all of his wonderful life. His sister was my best friend, growing up in Washington (the original Washington, we were all taught to say!). Along with his special mother and daddy, we taught him well, didn't we ??.. His amazing brain, bright smile welcoming to one and all, and unending support of his dedicated wife, allowed him to have success at every stage of his ever increasing professional life. We have always been so proud of him, but never surprised. You see, we knew it all along -- even in those early days, when we taught him his beginning basketball skills! You know how much we loved you -- and we will be ever thankful of all that you were able to accomplish. Rest in peace, young man. You have earned it !!
    12/22/2023 11:43 am
    Gloria Galloway lit a candle and writes,
    Peggy, my heart goes out to you and your family. Gloria Galloway
    12/22/2023 05:24 pm
    enrique garcia writes,
    My condolences for the family a great man that he always worried for his family I will pray for him
    12/27/2023 08:33 pm
    Wynton Overstreet writes,
    Great memories of Ed. We worked together in North Carolina and in Tennessee. I always admired his unique management and personnel skills and was excited to see him rise to the leadership role in DuPont. Condolences to Peggy and the family.
    01/24/2024 01:36 pm
    Robert Waldrop writes,
    I met Ed at the RTP, NC site in the early 90’s when I was assigned to give him a tour stop. What I was to present was wordsmithed by others and he could tell they were not my words. After about a minute he turned to walk away when I was mid-talk. I realized what was happening and asked him if he knew why they had asked me to give the tour stop speech. He spun around and said “no, why ?”. I told him I was from Greenville, NC and they knew I could speak his dialect. We then talked for a few minutes in a legitimate conversation about everything other than the RTP site. His comments from a few years ago regarding what Ed Breen had done in the way of gutting DuPont’s R&D organization really hit home. He was a voice of reason and a good man. Great CEO.
    01/29/2024 11:59 am

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