H. Ray Woolard

Published 6:41 pm Monday, April 3, 2017

Mr. Hertford “Ray” Woolard, age 89, a resident of Rosedale, Washington, died Sunday, April 2, 2017 at his home with his family by his side.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Pamlico Memorial Gardens and will be officiated by Lee Hendricks.

Mr. Woolard was born in Beaufort County, NC on April 10, 1927 to the late David I. Woolard and Fearbia Rowe Woolard. He attended Belvoir Schools in Pitt County. Mr. Woolard left the farm after enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and retired on September 1, 1965 following 20 years of service. On February 10, 1951, he married the love of his life Vara R. “Tootsie” Jordan Woolard who survives. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in 2017. He worked for the Beaufort County Hospital maintenance department, retiring in 1989. He went on to work for Gilko, Inc. Building Contractors for 20 years. He was a member of the Adult Sunday School class and Union Chapel Free Will Baptist Church.

His favorite saying was, “Don’t take any wooden nickels.”

Survivors include two children, Debra Ramona Woolard, Gary Ray Woolard, both of Washington, a brother, David E. Woolard of Greenville and a sister-in-law, Shirley D. Woolard of Indianapolis, IN.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Jimmy Woolard, Hilton N. Woolard, Lester G. Woolard, and a sister, Mary “Maggie” Woolard Jablonski.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.

The family extends a special thanks to Frank & Mae Coburn, his VA caregiver, Gail Winchester, all the VA staff in Greenville, especially the home-based care division, who were great beyond words and to Ascera Care Hospice in Winterville. Words cannot express the love and care they gave to Mr. Ray and his beloved dog Kasey.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA.

Online condolences may be addressed to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Woolard family.