John Henry Wooley

John Henry Wooley passed peacefully from this life on March 23, 2023 surrounded by family after a brief illness. He was 78.
John was born May 9, 1944 in rural Natchitoches Parish, LA. He was the 3rd of 4 children and only son to Ola and Wilton Wooley, the apple of his parents' and sisters' eye. Together the family ran Wooley's Grocery, better known as "the store" for more than 70 years.
Johnny graduated from Ashland High School. As an adolescent, he excelled in all sports, specifically basketball and baseball. He went on to play fast pitch softball throughout his adult life, earning many titles and trophies.
He was a jack of all trades, spending time working on his family's farm, in the oilfield, a rancher, and as a logger. He was honored to serve his country in the United States Army. During his time of service, he was stationed at Fort Polk then Fort Hood. One of his greatest life accomplishments was serving as the Fire Captain and later the Fire Chief for Fire District 8 in Ashland, LA. He took great pride in protecting the homes and properties of his family and dear friends for more than 25 years, 1994-2019.
John was a talented woodworker and welder, spending countless hours "out in his shop" building beautiful cedar chests, China cabinets, dining hutches, tables, and chairs. He was honored to gift many pieces of furniture from Wooley's Woodworking to family, friends, and the church over the years. He and Lillian loved traveling across the state, visiting numerous fairs and festivals selling his pieces of art. He was instrumental in starting the Natchitoches Green Market, a weekly summertime market on the Natchitoches Riverfront.
His faith was the center of his life. As a lifelong member of Ashland Baptist Church, he fully committed his life to Christ at the age of nineteen. Although he loved classic country music, Gospel Hymns were his favorite, and he would often break into song. As an avid fisherman, experienced hunter, and master gardener, John was happiest and felt closest to God when he was outdoors. He enjoyed taking his son, nieces and nephews, and later his grandchildren to the newest fishing hole or hunting spot.
John was truly larger than life, in both stature and spirit. He never met a stranger and made it a point to find something in common with anyone that crossed his path. His curious smile and quick wit would light up a room and keep everyone laughing. His greatest joy was time spent with his family and he reveled in sharing the latest accomplishments of his grandchildren and children. John loved telling stories, some tall tales, and other beloved stories of days past. He found great joy in cooking fish for friends and family and opened his heart and home to anyone that came down his country road.
John was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved wife of 37 years, Lillian; son John Alan Wooley; parents Ola and Wilton Wooley; sister Lecie Louise Rushing; and brothers in law Leroy Rushing, Bobby Lum, and Dr. James Guin.
He is survived by daughter Lanie Adkins and husband Mark, daughter Hope Nealy and husband Kevin; six grandchildren: Lindsay McElwee and husband Jonathan, Samuel Maggio and fiancé Fawn Slaughter, Jessie Wooley, Jonah Wooley, Jordan Nealy, and Bentley Nealy; two sisters: Maxine Lum and Dorothy Guin; one aunt Bernice Ham of Plant City, FL; five nieces and nephews: Diane Warren and husband, Randy, Randall Rushing and wife, Jere', Mandy Wamsley and husband, Troy, Jennifer Griffin and husband, Bill, and Danielle Curole and husband, Chad; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Funeral services for Johnny will be held at 2 P.M. Friday, March 31st at Ashland Baptist Church with Dr. Dave Moore officiating with assistance from Reverend Danny Slack. Interment will follow at Weaver Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:30 P.M. until 8 P.M. Thursday, March 30 at Ashland Baptist Church.
Honored to serve as John's pallbearers will be Randall Rushing, Evan Warren, Randy Warren, Troy Wamsley, Chad Curole, Bill Griffin, Junior Conlay, Billy Earl Conlay, Ronnie Vascocu, and Eddie Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Samuel Maggio, Jessie Wooley, Jonah Wooley, Jordan Nealy, Bentley Nealy, his nieces and great nieces, Josh Adams, and numerous lifelong family friends.
The family expresses its gratitude to St. Joseph's Hospice for their wonderful care of John.