Don Woolly, age 72 of Purcell, passed away Monday, July 25, 2016 surrounded by his family at his home.
Joseph Don Woolly was born November 13, 1943 in Tulsa, OK, the youngest of 4 children born to Joseph Carl Woolly and Annie Lee Jane (Reed) Woolly. He was raised in Altus and attended Altus Schools, graduating in 1962. From there it was on to the University of Oklahoma, where Don was a 4 year starter on the Sooners Baseball team and a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. On August 7, 1964, Don married his high school sweetheart; his best friend and true love, Janet Anne Neher, at the First Methodist Church in Altus. Don later graduated with his Doctorate Degree in Pharmacy. From 1967 until 1971, he worked for Star Pharmacies, eventually managing 5 stores. In 1971, Don took a leap of faith, and agreed to come to Purcell and opened Don’s Discount Pharmacy in the old Ken’s Red & White Grocery store. For more than 41 years, Don served Purcell and surrounding communities until closing the doors at his Main St. store in 2012. He loved his community and was very active in many civil capacities throughout the years. He served both as Mayor, and as a City Council Member. He was very proud to serve on the Airport Board, for you see, Don had a fear of flying. And he insisted that the only way to conquer that fear, was to become a pilot. In 1991, he achieved that goal, and greatly enjoyed his time in the air. Don was a proud father to son, Darren and his girls, Allison and Lori. He was a fierce competitor, he loved little league, and coached many games for his kids, and later his grandchildren. He was instrumental in introducing the 1st American Legion Baseball Program in this area. When not working, Don enjoyed golfing and hunting, and playing cards. He was always interested in a good game of poker. Don was a family man. He cherished Janet, his children and his grandchildren. He was a longtime member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Purcell, where he served as Lay Leader for many years. He will be dearly missed!
He was preceded in death by:
His parents, Joseph and Annie Woolly; His brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Wanda Woolly and His sister, Martha Ann Kelly. Father-in-law, Fred T. McElroy
Don leaves behind: His wife, Janet of the home; His son, Darren Woolly and wife Debbie of Spiro, OK; His daughters, Allison Northcutt and husband David of Lexington and Lori Cudd and husband Roger of Purcell; Brother, Jimmy Vaughn Woolly and wife Marilyn of Weatherford, TX; Mother-in-law, Anna McElroy, Purcell, OK Brother-in-law, Jerry Kelly of Lubbock, TX; 11 grandchildren, Lucas, Jonah, Nick, Joshua, Brayden, Justace, Bryson, Lynsi, Jill, Emily and Jeremy; 1 great grandson, Jaylon and A host of other family and friends.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Wilson-Little Funeral Home. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 29, 2016, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Purcell. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home. Send online condolences at wilsonlittle.com