FOUND A GRAVE

Woodroof was born in Dallas, Texas, on February 3, 1950, to Garland Odell Woodroof (March 17, 1917, in Texas – December 3, 1983, in Dallas) and Willie Mae Hughes (November 25, 1917, in Oklahoma – November 19, 1996, in Dallas).  His first marriage was to Mary Etta Pybus on June 28, 1969, in Dallas; and they had a daughter Yvette Lynn Woodroof (born February 1, 1970). They divorced on March 23, 1972. On May 6, 1972, he married Rory S. Flynn in Dallas. They divorced on May 21, 1973. He then married Brenda Shari Robin on October 4, 1982, in Lubbock. They divorced on March 4, 1986, after he was diagnosed with HIV.  He had a mercurial personality. One reporter writes that “Woodroof took guns to his doctor’s office, prompting Dr. Steven Pounders to ‘fire him as a patient.'” Woodroof later sent the doctor roses, and the doctor took him back.  Some of his friends told reporters he was gay or bisexual.  Accounts differ on whether he made homophobic comments. Reporter and screenwriter Craig Borten has said Woodroof was “as racist and homophobic as they come” while friends reportedly claim the opposite.  Seven years following his diagnosis of HIV, Ron Woodroof died on September 12, 1992 from pneumonia brought on by AIDS. Over 20 years following his death, Woodroof’s final years became the basis of the 2013 film Dallas Buyers Club. He was portrayed in the film by Matthew McConaughey, who won many awards for his performance, including the Academy Award for Best Actor.