Colonel William "Rocky" W. Woolman ll, U S Army (retired), passed away Friday, April 22, 2022, at age 76 in Fort Smith, AR. He was born February 15, 1946, in Oklahoma City, to the late William and Geraldine (Riker) Woolman. After his mother's passing at an early age, he was fortunate to have a "second" Mom, Gwendolyn Dupree Woolman. He is survived by his wife Sharron Lybrand Woolman of the home, a daughter Robyn Reust of Boise City, and a son William "Wes" Woolman and wife Tracy also of Boise City. Rocky is also survived by a sister, Patricia Brady and husband Dave of Shell Knob, MO; four brothers, Paul Woolman and wife Debbie of Niceville, FL, Dr. Bruce Woolman and wife Debra of Longmont, CO, Daniel Woolman and wife Shanda of Lake Wales, FL, and Kenneth "Buddy" Stewart and wife Marilyn of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, his dear Aunt Mary Beth Myers of Ada, and many nieces and nephews whom he deeply loved. He is also survived by two stepdaughters Karen "Kacy" Armstrong and husband Geoff of Mabelvale, AR, and Kristen Crabb and husband Jacob of Centerton, AR; and two stepsons Mark Copeland of Pine Bluff, AR, and Clint King and wife Anna of Gravette, AR. Rocky spent his life in the Oklahoma area. He attended high school in Drummond, OK where he graduated in 1964. He attended Oklahoma State University 1964-1968 and graduated from Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell, in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and minored in Military Science and Psychology. He graduated from East Central State University in Ada, with a master's degree in Education Administration in 1978. He later graduated from Oklahoma University in Norman, in Nursing Home Administration in 1978 and from the Oklahoma Trauma Research Society in 1978. Rocky received many continuing education credits throughout his life. Rocky received his commission from ROTC in August 1968. He spent 27 years of Commissioned services and over 33 years total of Commissioned and Warrant Service. He received many decorations, service medals and badges which include Distinguished Flying Cross (3), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Valorous Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vi?t Nam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Army Aviator Badge and many more. Rocky held many positions in his service to America including Pilot, Recruiter and Personnel Counselor to the Surgeon General. After discharge he served in many capacities including Nursing Home Administrator, Hospital Administrator, Principal and math teacher. He engaged fully in helping others, especially through the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Troops to Teachers, and the Disabled American Veteran Association. In 2006 he was called to duty in Iraq as a training officer in the Army Field Support Brigade. Upon his return from Iraq, he finished his service at Pueblo Chemical Depot in Pueblo, CO and retired in Antlers, OK in 2006. He had recently moved to Alma, AR. After his retirement Rocky continued his love for horses and made many trail rides including the Coast-to-Coast ride in Michigan and a ride from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide earning him a place in the Long Riders Guild. Rocky will be truly missed. He requested to be buried among his fellow soldiers at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 28 between 5 and 7 p.m. and services will be held Friday, April 29 at 12:30 p.m. with burial at 2 p.m., under the direction of Edwards Van Alma Funeral Home located at 4100 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in memory of Rocky to Gideons International (P.O. Box 1583, Lake Wales, FL 33853), any Veterans Association or charity of your choice. To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Antlers American from Apr. 26 to May 25, 2022.