R.I.P.: Raymond Allen (“Woodrow” Of “Sanford & Son”) Passes Away, Family Gives Details

Posted On : August 11, 2020

At 88 Raymond Allen a.k.a. “Woodrow,” was still hangin’ tough in his golden years. He’d turned 88 years old and on March 5, 2017, he had a blast celebrating his born day surrounded by family…

Watch Raymond Allen’s 88th Birthday Celebration!


As you can see from some of the birthday photos and video, (in the video and below), Raymond hadn’t been in the best of health in his latter years, but the beautiful thing was that his daughters and loved ones were giving him his roses while he was still here. One thing’s for certain, Raymond definitely knew he was loved by many…

Old School Fun Facts About Raymond Allen

Raymond Allen hospitalized, surrounded by family (via Facebook)
Raymond Allen hospitalized, surrounded by loved ones (via Facebook)

M. Allen was forced to retire from acting in 1985 due to an unknown illness. Therefore he only had a chance to play a few roles during the 70’s and mid 80’s. But he always had a way of waking up and/or even stealing every scene he was in, which is why he’s so memorable today.

Raymond Allen with family member (via Facebook)
Raymond Allen with family member (via Facebook)

He was married once to Barbara Williams from 1963 to 1977 (now deceased) and they have three daughters together. In his latter years (prior to living in an assisted living facility), he’d been living with one of his daughters in California.

Let’s Not Forget About ‘Ned The Wino’

'Ned the Wino' and 'Florida Evans' in "Good Times"
‘Ned the Wino’ and ‘Florida Evans’ in “Good Times” 

And y’all know we can’t talk about ‘Woodrow’ without throwing back to our other favorite Raymond Allen character, ‘Ned the Wino’ on Good Times! ‘Ned the Wino’s’ hilarious drunken moments still crack us up to this day. And don’t even talk about that episode where ‘J.J.’ painted his Black Jesus portrait with ‘Ned the Wino’s’ face, LOL…CLASSIC! Even though ‘Florida Evans’ was pissed off, ‘Ned’s’ Jesus pic became one of the most memorable scenes on the show, as did the ‘James Evans funeral’ scene when ‘Ned’ brought ‘Florida’ a bottle of liquor to the repass to offer his condolences.

Raymond Allen with one of his daughters
Raymond Allen with one of his daughters

Talk about Old School memories! It’s wonderful that after so many years, the few scenes that Raymond Allen graced us with back in the day, have become timeless memories for so many. Again, Happy B-day To You Raymond Allen!!!

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We salute the incredible people and beautiful memories of that "old school". We’re not saying that every artist and every facet of the soul era was perfect, but the artists’ contributions to soul music and the old school memories of that particular time are PRICELESS.