Murfreesboro, TN - Murfreesboro is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved icons. Katherine "Kay" Woodfin passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 at her home. She is known for her generosity, warmth, and deep commitment to her community, Kay and her late husband, Bubba Woodfin, were a dynamic duo whose legacy is etched into the heart of this city.

Kay and Bubba married on June 13, 1959, and spent their lives helping others—often through dinner events and charitable gatherings held at their E. Clark Boulevard home, which had a replica village in the back yard. Bubba’s cabin was the centerpiece of those events, where fish fries and storytelling brought people together in celebration of Murfreesboro’s heritage.

Kay was known for her thoughtful surprises, including the restoration of Bubba’s cherished 1955 MG MGA convertible. He brought that rag top home when returning from military service in the 50's. He and Kay went everywhere in that MG, and had several memories associated with that classic British sportscar. Bubba sold it many years later. Kay and her daughter Shannon found the car decaying in an Eagleville tree line, and a fair-sized tree was growing through the sportscar. Kay had it restored to pristine condition, rekindling memories from Bubba’s military days and the couple's early years together. It was a gift to Bubba on his birthday, and a gesture that reflected her lifelong habit of lifting others through acts of love.

Kay's kindness extended beyond family. A new Woodfin staff member recalled, years later, that she showed up at his door with groceries shortly after he and his wife moved to Murfreesboro—just one of many examples of her welcoming spirit.

Together, Kay and Bubba raised four daughters—Shannon Parsons, Ashley Backer, Melissa Combs, and Kit Ramsay—and were honored as the 2009 Heart Ball Honorees and 2014 Philanthropists of the Year by the Saint Thomas Rutherford Society. Their devotion to civic causes, local history, and community service made them role models for marriage and leadership.

Remember the words of the 1955 hit song "Love and Marriage"? It's all about Kay and Bubba, "You can't have one without the other." They hold a place in the hearts of many, as shown in these reflections: 

Murfreesboro native, retired State Representative, banker, early WGNS broadcaster John Hood said, "Bubba and Kay made up the ideal family situation with business and family together."

Senior Judge Don Ash noted, "Kay and Bubba left a legacy of commitment to community and family that I think will go on for many decades. After Bubba’s passing, I always saw Kay with her girls. She loved her family and friends. So many of us are better people because we were blessed to call the Woodfin’s friend. Soli Deo Gloria!"

Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland said, "Kay and Bubba were both great examples of the heart of Murfreesboro. The legacy they left will live far past their time in Murfreesboro. Kay set the standard for love and kindness." 

Rev. Dr. John Hinkle remembered, "Some of the very first people outside of First Presbyterian Church who welcomed me to Murfreesboro were Bubba and Kay. From the start, they told me that if my family ever needed anything, we should not hesitate to call. At first, I thought they were simply being gracious in their welcome—but over time, I came to realize they truly meant every word. Kay, in particular, embodied gracious hospitality in all that she did. If each of us could be just a little more like Kay Woodfin, this world would be a kinder and better place."

Former Murfreesboro Rotary President Gib Backlund commented, “I remember asking Bubba to sit at the head table to be honored. He brought Kay along as well. She was quite an elegant lady. They both were always so gracious in hosting cookouts or barbecues for Rotary at their home. I knew Bubba and Kay traveled a lot and asked him if he had ever been to China. He said, 'No, let's go!' "

Kay had been battling illness and passed away peacefully. Her legacy lives on through her daughters, the countless lives she touched, and the enduring spirit of generosity she and Bubba instilled in Murfreesboro.

Funeral Arrangements

Arrangements for Katherine "Kay" Woodfin will be at Woodfin Funeral Chapel, 1488 Lascassas Pike in Murfreesboro. The visitation will be from 10:00AM until 1:00PM on Thursday, August 21, 2025, and the service will follow at 1:00PM with Rev. Suzanne Cloyd Hultman and Rev. Dr. John Hinkle officiating. Burial in the Evergreen Cemetery.  CLICK to see the obituary from Woodfin Funeral Chapel.

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