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1928
2018
Emmerson Taylor Woolard, 90, husband of the late Helen Hudgins Woolard, passed away at home on December 7, 2018. Born April 18, 1928, in Washington, NC, he was the son of the late Charlie C. and Carrie Mae Atkins Woolard. He moved to Newport News in 1939 and graduated from Newport News High School in 1947 as a well-known track and football player with 17 scholarship offers. He made All State, All Southern, All Foreman's Field and All Peninsula. In 1947 he joined the 8th Air Force's 509th Bomb Squadron and was stationed in Roswell, NM where he was sent to Europe seeing most of the post war countries in his duties. He was particularly proud of his part of the Berlin Air Lift during his service. He returned to Roswell, NM where he taught instrument navigation and played for the Army Air Corps football team and was chosen for the All Air Force team multiple years. He also ran track for his squadron and ran a 100-yard dash in 9.7 seconds! While in New Mexico he met Helen Elizabeth Hudgins and they married in 1949. After being honorably discharged in 1950, he returned to home to work for Newport News Shipbuilding as a pipe fitter. He continued to enjoy sports as he umpired NNHS football from 1950-1960, coached little league baseball and football 1951-1953, and coached Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School football in 1960. He was a member of the Football Association of Referees. He retired from the shipyard as a general foreman in 1990. He loved to play golf and after his retirement worked at Newport News Golf Course as a marshal and starter for 19 years. Emmerson was a loving husband, father and friend. He is survived by his son Michael E. Woolard (Lois) of Farmville, VA, his daughter Cynthia L. Vega (Carl) of Newport News, VA, his daughter Lisa E. Massey (Steven) of Toano, VA, and his daughter Carolyn E. Blanchard (Wayne) of Smithfield, VA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jonathan Gilliam and Krystal Thomas, Andrew and Taylor Blanchard, Austin, Cameron, Kailey and Evan Massey and great grandchildren Jonathon Woolard, Morgan and Ethan Gilliam, Victoria and Emily Thomas, Madison Blanchard and one more on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Elva Mae Boone and brother, Donald R. Woolard. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Helen, his grandson, Jeremy Woolard, his brothers, Cecil E. Woolard, Meredith L. Woolard, and Douglas M. Woolard; and sisters, Doris Faye Moore and Vivian Ann Swanson A visitation will be held on Friday December 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News. A funeral mass will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church on Saturday, December 15 at 10:00 a.m. with burial following at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, we request donations to go to the York County Fire Station #5 EMS, PO Box 532, Yorktown, VA 23690.
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I worked with ET at the golf course. My condolences to the family - He was a wonderful gentleman.
Pat Morrison
December 19, 2018
Mike, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. My condolences to you all.
RIP, Sir
Pat Cherrie
December 18, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Cindy and all your family with sincere sympathy!
Betty& Pinky Talbott
December 17, 2018
Cindy
My sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your father.
Ann Butts
December 17, 2018
My sincere sympathy to the family of Emmerson. During the almost twenty years that I have known him, I always admired his wit and he was always a pleasure to with.
May God watch over all of you in this trying time of grief!
December 15, 2018
Uncle Emmerson was a loving person always remember he smiling and telling the best stories. He will truly be missed. He is dancing and laughing now with the rest of our loved ones in heaven. Prayers for everyone who knew and loved this truly wonderful man.
Carrie Wainwright
December 14, 2018
Uncle Emmmerson, you were the best. You always did a lot for Granny and she appreciated all you did. A star in your crown for being there.
Will miss you.......... Jade
December 13, 2018
John Ferguson
December 13, 2018
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
December 12, 2018
So sorry for your loss.
Martha Marakos-Holt
December 12, 2018
Sending Love and peace to all of the family. May God's grace cover you all during this time.
Molly Harrison
December 12, 2018
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Dec
14
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Peninsula Funeral Home11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
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