J. L. Woolley

J.L. Woolley, 80, of Rison passed away Tuesday August 19, 2025. He was born October 28,1944 in Woodlawn, Arkansas to the late Olen and Helen McFarland Woolley. After graduating from Woodlawn High School in 1962, John joined the United States Army and became a paratrooper. After leaving the Army, he married Clara Ruth Hayden on April 1, 1967. John went on to retire from International Paper after 44 years of service. John was also the oldest, consistent, active member of the Mt. Olivet Methodist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years Clara Woolley along with his children John Wayne Woolley (Lisa) and Joey Woolley; grandchildren Colby Woolley, Morgan King (Blake), Austin Logan, and Ty Woolley; great-grandchildren Brody Woolley, Grayson King, Harlen King, Houston Logan, and Colten Hargrave; siblings W.P. (Paulette) Woolley, Robert (Pam) Woolley, Charles (Debra)Woolley, David (Jan) Woolley, Sylvia (Jimmy Dale) Boyd. Also surviving John is his brother-in-law Burl Dean Robertson along with many nieces, nephews, friends and other family.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his brother James Olen Woolley (Maxine) and sister Elizabeth Robertson.

Pallbearers will be Colby Woolley, Austin Logan, Blake King, Ty Woolley, Eric Hayden, Daniel Hayden. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brody Woolley, Grayson King, Colten Hargrove, and Houston Logan.

Visitation will be on Friday August 22, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm at Buie & Cole Funeral Home in Rison.

Funeral Services will be Saturday August 23, 2025 at 10:00 am in the chapel of Buie & Cole Funeral Home in Rison with Brothers Mark Rivers and Charles Woolley officiating.

Burial will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery.