Lannie "Bunny" Woolford Sr.

Bunny enlisted in the United States Navy on his 17th birthday and served his country during WWII in the Pacific aboard a logistic supply ship carrying supplies to Guam, the Solomon Islands and Tinean. He left the Navy as a 3rd Class Petty Officer. Later he was employed by AT&T as a service foreman, retiring with more than 30 years of service.

In 1952, Bunny was one of 20 charter members of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad-Rescue 14 at the OCEAN FRONT. Bunny was a constant, dedicated, and proud supporter of the squad and was involved in all levels of service; Operational member, First Lieutenant, Captain (1964), Administrative member, Advisor and Advisor Emeritus. His legacy will be firmly entrenched in the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad’s history. For those who knew Bunny he will be remembered as a kind gentleman with a great sense of humor, telling his daily jokes and providing Werthers candy that he seemed to have an abundance of. He remained active with administrative duties at the Rescue Squad up until 3 months ago, helping Capt. Gilpin with the fund raising drive.

Bunny was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Suffolk and a member of the Khedive Shrine. He loved to play golf and hang out with the “boys” at Lake Wright. Many of the family reunions started with a golf outing. He was a loving and generous person, giving of himself to his community and family and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Bunny was preceded in death by his beloved son Lannie B. Woolford, Jr.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 39 years, Margaret M. Woolford of Virginia Beach; step-daughter, Lynn Grigsby and husband Bob of Virginia Beach; grandchildren, Taylor Gray Woolford and Jessica and Jacquelyn Grigsby; daughter-in-law, Debbie Woolford and his first wife Mary Erhard as well as other loving family and friends.

The family will receive friends tonight, March 31 from 6 – 9 PM in Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home in Virginia Beach. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 1 at 2 PM in the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park Chapel of Serenity.

The family has requested memorial donations be made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, 740 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451. You may offer your love and condolences to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.