John Brack Woodley, 53, of Collinsville, IL passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
John was born June 4, 1968 in Austin, TX to his parents Carl T. Woodley & Kathleen Ann Woodley (Smith), who both survive.
John was a jockey, racing thoroughbred horses at Fairmount Park Race track and raced at other tracks across the country. He loved fishing, golfing, horseback riding, thoroughbred racing, and quarter horse racing. John was awarded the Race Track Chaplaincy of America's White Horse Award in honor of his bravery in saving two children from a neighbor's burning mobile home. He was a member of The Jockeys Guild and attended the Episcopalian Church of the Resurrection in Austin, TX.
John is survived by his parents Carl T. Woodley and Kathleen Woodley of Wayne City, IL; a sister Missy (Doug) Collins of Wayne City, a brother Carl James (Kelley) Woodley of Sunset, LA; a step-daughter Taylor Ervin of Collinsville, IL; a daughter Emily Woodley of Collinsville, a son Brack Woodley of Collinsville, the mother of his children Dawn Ervin-Woodley, several nieces & nephews, and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday October 9, 2021 at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, IL with Brian Bennett officiating. Visitation will be held the same day from 11 am - 1 pm at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to assist John’s children, and may be made to the care of Missy Collins. Memorials will be accepted at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, IL.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of John Brack Woodley, please visit our floral store.