Woodrow "Woody" Pickren, Jr.

Woodrow Wilson Pickren Jr.

July 12, 1939 – June 19, 2026

Woodrow Wilson Pickren Jr., known by many as “Woody,” passed away peacefully at his home on June 19, 2026; he was 86. Woody was born on July 12,1939 in Folkston, GA, the son of Jessie Mae Harrison Pickren and Woodrow Wilson Pickren, Sr.; grandson of Thomas Lovett Pickren and Dora Johnson Pickren; and Robert Ward Harrison and Eva Bunkley Harrison.

Those who knew Woody best will remember many New Years Day gatherings at his home where he spent all day preparing his famous gumbo, greens and black-eyed peas. Woody could most often be found, donning his favorite “US Submarine Service – Veteran” ballcap, tinkering in his backyard barn. If you were lucky enough to be a visitor to the barn, you would be treated to a full tour of his tools, collection of neon beer signs, family photos, and a colorful story you’d possibly heard before but with a new detail, embellishment, or punchline.

Woody was the resident keeper of family memories and stories as well as a treasure trove of family memorabilia. Most visits with Woody included regaling a tale or two of his adventures and misadventures with his brothers and a piece of family history that somehow felt relevant to the conversation at hand. His South Georgia roots were important to him and he faithfully helped organize and attended the Pickren Family reunion for over 70 years. He also enjoyed attending numerous high school reunions in Folkston catching up with dear friends. One of his favorite places in the world was at Uncle Kenny Bo Harrison’s dock in St. Mary’s overlooking the marsh.

Woody proudly served in the Navy on the USS Carp stationed in Norfolk, VA and often spoke of the time he spent enjoying living in tight quarters in submarines, and most importantly, with the respected men he served alongside.

Above all else, Woody loved his family and friends. He was the father of a son and a daughter with his first wife, Betty (Nora Elizabeth Garrett Pickren) who remained a lifelong friend. He is joyfully reunited in heaven with his beloved daughter Nicole. Woody is survived by his son and namesake, “Trey”. Trey and his wife Renee have three sons of whom Woody was immensely proud. If you knew Woody, you were likely a recipient of a forwarded video of Will and Max playing football at Hampden-Sydney or Captain Jack’s golf swing. Woody himself was the eldest of three brothers and was deeply proud of his brothers, especially Terry, his youngest brother, who was faithfully by his side until the very end.

No mention of Woody is complete without Linda, his best friend and love of his life. Linda and Woody were married and lovingly devoted to one another for 40 years. One of their favorite things to do together was to go on road trips often without the final destination in mind. The adventure was always that they were together and that the way would unfold. Woody often said that they were each other’s homes so it never mattered where they went, as long as they went together. When Linda passed in the fall of 2025, we all knew Woody would be shortly behind as they were inseparable.

Woody is preceded in death by his loving wife Linda Annette Pickren, his beloved daughter, Nicole and his loyal brother, Thomas Robert Pickren. We are comforted that they are reunited and rejoicing together in Heaven.

Woody is survived by his loving son, Woodrow Wilson (Trey) Pickren III (Renee) and three grandsons, Will, Max and Jack Pickren; and his loving son Russell Berry (Stacey); his devoted brother, William Terry Pickren (Libba), three nieces, Alley Staples, Jessie Warner and Anna Pickren, and four great-nephews, Redd & Lyle Warner, and Pick & Wade Staples; and stepdaughter and son-in -law, Leah and Bill Burch, stepson Gregory Wayne Jones and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren including, Thomas Burch (Dana), Rachel Hockman, Jessica Smith, Jake Jones, Hannah Skidmore, and Luke Jones.

Woody was at peace when he passed and continued imparting wisdom and laughs until the end. Woody liked to sign off, in writing and on the phone, that “It’s been a thrill” and often repeated reminders that he lived by: “There’s no such thing as too much fun” and “Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.”

His humor, stubbornness, and love of life will sincerely be missed.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM at Pineview Cemetery in Folkston, Georgia on September 12, 2026 followed by a lunch at the Folkston Methodist Church.