William R Woolsey

Bill was born March 20, 1936, to the late Paul and Wilma Woolsey in Southern Illinois. His Aunt

and Uncle, Perry and Desi Yackle were also instrumental in his upbringing. He served in the

United States Coast Guard from 1955 to 1959 and remained in the Connecticut area after being

honorably discharged. It is there where he met his wife of 65 years, Shirley Woolsey. They

remained longtime residents of Norwich and Griswold, Connecticut. The two subsequently

moved to Florida after his retirement from the York Women’s Correctional Facility in Niantic,

Connecticut, where he worked for over 20 years. He was the first male correctional officer ever

at the location. Prior to that there were only female matrons. He maintained strong

relationships with the inmates while there and because of his experiences throughout his life he

became a strong advocate for women.

Bill will always be remembered as a faithful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a

humble caretaker of his family working many jobs throughout his career. While in Florida he

worked for Publix for over 20 years getting to know many of the patrons throughout the Lutz

area, everyone knew “Bill”. He was a devout UCONN Huskies women’s basketball supporter

and loved watching women’s tennis or any women’s event for that matter.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Wilma Woolsey and his Aunt and Uncle,

Perry and Desi Yackle.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Shirley Woolsey; 2 sons, John

Woolsey and James Woolsey and his wife Peggy; A daughter, Sandy Truby and husband Todd;

grandchildren, Jaclyn Jeffery and husband Will, Sydney and Connor Truby, Sammi and TJ

Woolsey and 3 great grandchildren Grant, Ward and Clark Jeffery. Survivors also include his

sister , Cecelia Jean Woolsey and spouse Dr. Gwen Renee Adams.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the

Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will take place on at 11am on February 8, 2025 at Blount and Curry Carrollwood located at 3207 W. Bears Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618. The family will receive friends

one hour prior starting at10am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Woolsey family.