CLAUDE CECIL WOOLEY

MEDINA, N.Y. - Claude Cecil Wooley, 91 years old, of Medina, N.Y., formerly of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2005. Mr. Wooley was born in Three Forks, Texas, on July 9, 1914. He graduated from San Angelo High School in 1932. On Sept. 2, 1937, he married the former Ruby H. Beanfield. He graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in 1939 and a master's degree from Sul Ross University, Texas. Mr. Wooley was the physics teacher at San Angelo Central High School for more than 40 years. He was the science coordinator for San Angelo Public Schools and developed and ran science programs that received national recognition for many years. Many of his physics students' science projects won state and national awards. He also was an avid tennis player, having played for the University of Texas, and also coached tennis for San Angelo High School. He also enjoyed playing golf with family members and friends. Claude and Ruby moved to Medina, N.Y., in 1995. Ruby passed away in October of 2003. Mr. Wooley is survived by his son, Dr. Bennie "Pat" Wooley of Medina, N.Y.; two grandsons, Grant Wooley of Buffalo, N.Y., and Eric Wooley of New York City; and a great-grandson, Brandon Wooley of Amherst, N.Y. Relatives and friends may attend a graveside funeral service at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 29, in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Salt Works Road, Shelby, N.Y., officiated by the Rev. Daniel Thurber. Memorials may be made in Mr. Wooley's name to: Guide Dog Foundation Inc. for the Blind, 371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, N.Y., 11787; 1-800-548-4337.

July 30, 2005
Mary Ann Bivens Couch
In the 1963-64 school year I had the good fortune to serve as aide to Mr. Wooley. It was an honor and a pleasure, and he has always been one of my heroes. In all areas he strived to be fair, and his high expectations of his students instilled a drive to excell in most. I took college physics, knowing that I had as good a foundation as the kids who went to private schools. And he made us laugh!

July 29, 2005
Larry Skiles
Mr. Wooley was my physics teacher for two years at Central High. Largely due to my admiration for him, I began my college career at The University of Texas as a physics major, though I later changed to another field. Claude Wooley was simply the finest teacher I ever saw. His blend of knowlege, humor, and common-sense application was unexcelled by any other instructor I have ever encountered. I am fortunate to have known him.

July 29, 2005
Squire Brown
Mr. Wooley was a wonderful teacher.

July 29, 2005
David Stricklin
Mr. Wooley was my physics teacher at San Angelo Central High School in 1964. He was the best teacher I ever had, and I have more than 300 college hours enroute to earning my Ph.D. He had the ability to make physics very interesting and also very understandable. Of course as a boy I really admired his uncanny ability to peg people who went to sleep in his class all the way across the room with a piece of chalk. He was "one of a kind." I am proud to have had him as a teacher. David Stricklin

July 28, 2005
Randy Summerlin
Mr. Wooley was an extraordinary teacher, with great ability to explain and motivate. And what a sense of humor! He was a special teacher I have always remembered with affection and gratefulness.

July 28, 2005
Frank Abbott
I was blessed with many fine teachers at Central High School. None were better than Mr. Wooley. Later, when I taught at Central, none was a better role model of what a teacher should be. Looking back over four decades in the classroom, I know that his influence on me was great, both in how one teaches and in the dedication one gives to knowledge. We shall not see his like again.