Tracy James Woolery

Tracy grew up in Russellville, AR, and graduated from Russellville High School in 1993. He experienced a fascination with planes and set a goal to fly those planes at a very young age. He was thrilled when his uncle, Dennis Woolery, took him for his first flight in the great big blue skies. Tracy would ride his bicycle to the small airport near his childhood home to spend time watching and learning, which led him to his passion for and his career in aviation.

After high school, Tracy proudly served four years in the United States Air Force as an F-15C crew chief. He was stationed at Mountain Home, Idaho. During his time in the Air Force, he further fueled his passion for aviation by having the opportunity to work on the Air Force’s best fighter jet, the F-15C Eagle. He experienced a brotherhood that has lasted through his lifetime. Everyone in Mountain Home knew that when they saw that blue and white truck, fun was on the way. He went on deployments to Egypt and Turkey, and he was always the brightest star in the crew. He always found a way to make everything not just fun, but exciting. Tracy had a master plan, and the Air Force with the catalyst to get him where he was going.

After the Air Force, Tracy went to school at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Science. He often spoke fondly of his time at Embry-Riddle. He absolutely loved it there, and he stayed in Florida as a Certified Flight Instructor at the university for another three years. Finally, in 2003, his hard work started to bring his childhood dreams to life. Tracy was hired at Pinnacle Airlines; he was finally a commercial pilot. During his eight years there, he gained experience and became a captain. From there, he was hired at Atlas Airlines as an international Boeing 747 pilot. This was the dream job for him. He got to see the world!

His real adventures began when his first son, Caiden was born. Tracy found his true calling in that moment; his new passion was being a father. Upon the arrival of Chloe Jo, and later Austin, his heart grew with pride and love. His contagious laugh could be heard for miles any time his kids were with him.

Tracy was born with a great big bundle of energy and love of adventure for the great outdoors. He spent his free time taking the kids mountain climbing, hiking, camping, biking and pushing the limit on the trail in that big yellow Jeep.

Tracy encountered many of life’s joys, sorrows and challenges. Memories of him will include his great big infectious smile along with his goal setting, high energy determination which led him to experience many of his personal dreams and his affinity for pranks. Several of his friends have expressed their appreciation for his motivational spirit and friendship.

Tracy is survived by his children, whom he cherished and adored: Caiden, Chloe Jo, Austin, and their mother, Collette Norder all of Longmont; his sisters, Tammy Garry of Harrison, AR, and Tonya Kizer of Conway, AR; and his best friends Troy and Jessica Paggen and their extended family who were a very significant part of his life. Tracy is also survived by a Grandmother, Evelyn Anstine of Raymore, MO, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tracy was preceded in death by his infant brother, Tyrone Jay Woolery and his nephew, Daniel Alan Kizer.

A Memorial service celebrating the life of Tracy will be held 2:00 Saturday, March 10, at Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St, Longmont, CO with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund in his honor has been set up for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL.

Below is the hyperlink for the Tracy Woolery Memorial Scholarship.

givingto.erau.edu/woolery