Earl Leroy Woehnker, Jr. age 65 of Murfreesboro, TN passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at his home after a heroic battle with cancer. A native of Charlotte, NC, he was a longtime resident of Murfreesboro. He was the son of the late Earl Leroy and Dorothy Jean Lanier Woehnker, Sr. Mr. Woehnker is survived by his wife Elaine Winters Woehnker; daughter Michelle Woehnker Lang and husband Doug of LaOtto, IN; grandson Andrew Woehnker of LaOtto, IN; stepson Benjamin Winters of Columbia, TN; brother Ron Woehnker and wife, Ruth Ann of Kendallville, IN; nephew Alan Woehnker of Fort Wayne, IN; niece Lisa Wichman of Garrett, IN. Memorial services will be 10:30 AM on Monday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel with Dr. Ben Tankard officiating. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens at a later date. Earl graduated from Elmhurst High School, Fort Wayne, IN, and attended Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN. During this time he began a lifelong interest in aviation, obtaining a pilots license, acquiring an aircraft, and eventually flying for Fort Wayne Air Service. Aviation became a major focus of his life and he spent much time with his many, many friends at the Murfreesboro airport, where he housed an aircraft and was employed part time. He was a member of several aviation organizations including EAA and the Civil Air Patrol. He also was an avid motorcyclist and was fond of riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his many friends. Of all his passions, none exceeded his zeal for his God, his family, and his many friends. Earl never met a stranger and truly loved his friends and family. He touched many lives over the years not only in aviation, but in many walks of life. He always had a smile on his face and loved to tell jokes and exchange stories. He will be remembered as a man of great character, generosity, humility, and compassion. Mr. Woehnker was a lifelong Baptist and was retired from the Rutherford County Highway Department. Memorials may be made to the Civil Air Patrol, Murfreesboro Squadron at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport 1930 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday and from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM immediately preceding the service on Monday at WOODFIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL. 893-5151. Online condolences may be sent to www.woodfinchapel.com.