Ben Harrison Woolsey

Ben Harrison Woolsey went to be with his Savior on Friday, February 14, 2014 at the age of 92, passing peacefully at his home in Russellville. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Ferd and Avie Woolsey; Sisters: Ruth Jones, Pearl Melton, Edith Kizer, and Grace Davis. Brothers: Harry Woolsey, Robert (Bob) Woolsey, and Lenard Woolsey. Ben is survived by his loving wife of sixty seven years, Elizabeth Jewell Woolsey, daughter Margaret and her husband Dennis Pinder of Richardson TX, son Robert and his wife, Taniel Woolsey of Russellville. Grandchildren include: Karen Isbell, her husband Paul, Lisa PhwandaPhwanda, her husband Kondwani, Lindsay Woolsey, Leslie Black and her husband Cody. Great Grandchildren include: Madeleine Isbell, Miriam, Naomi, and Esther Phwandaphwanda, and Milani Carter. Ben loved family, relishing in get togethers that brought together immediate family and the extended network of cousins, nieces and nephews. Ben served in BTRY A 250th FA BN of the United States Army. During World War II, he served in Central Europe, Rhineland, Northern France, and Normandy. He received 4 Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation. Upon returning from WWII, Ben married Jewell Lindsey and they began farming at Mountain Top, north of Ozark. Besides farming for 52 years, they both retired after 25 years at the Child Life Shoe Corp. in Clarksville. After moving to Russellville in 1997, Ben and Jewell worked for 8 yrs at the Pope County Senior Center. Ben was a charter member of Batson Baptist Church where he served as deacon, secretary, bus driver and in other leadership capacities. Upon moving to Russellville, Ben joined Russellville First Baptist Church and was a member of the Berean Sunday School class. Funeral services are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service in Russellville. Visitation will be there on Monday from 4:30 to 6:00pm. A celebration of life will be at First Baptist Church Russellville Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., with the Rev. Stephen Davis officiating, followed by a graveside service with military honors, at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Ozark. Pallbearers are Brian Woolsey, Paul Isbell, Kondwani Phwandaphwanda, Cody Black, Ron Newton, and Emmitt Barnes. Memorials may be made to Pope County Health Department Hospice, 404 North El Paso Avenue, Russellville, Arkansas 72801 or to The First Baptist Church, Missions Fund, P. O. Box 36, Russellville, AR 72811.