Mr. Earl (Willie) Wooldridge, 86, died January 22, 2020 in Raleigh. NC. Mr. Wooldridge was born in Mesilla Park NM on June 19, 1933. He joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served until he was 21. While in the Navy he was stationed on a submarine and spent time in Hawaii. When he was released from the Navy he joined the Air Force and served 22 years. He was sent to Milwaukee, WI, for training before going to Greenland. He met Joyce on a blind date in Milwaukee and 6 weeks later they were married. Their 61 year love story was a joy to all the family. Together they traveled the world. Living in Maine, Texas, where they had their two daughters. Next they moved to France, Germany, Duluth MN, Japan, South Carolina and finally retiring in Jacksonville. Willie was a loving husband, a wonderful father and grandfather (papa). He loved working in his garden, and served as a volunteer Master Gardener for the county. His quiet, strong presence will be missed by his family now that he has gone to join Joyce once again.
A visitation will be held January 25, 2020 at Johnson Funeral Home in Jacksonville from 9:30am until 10:30am with a graveside service to follow at 11:00am at Onslow Memorial Park in Jacksonville, NC.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Transitions Hospice at https://transitionslifecare.org/donate/
Online condolences may be made to www.johnsonfuneralhomes.com
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