J B Woolsey Obituary (1919 - 2012) - Greeneville, Tennessee

James Bailey "J.B." Woolsey Jr., 92, of the Pine Grove community, passed away Tuesday at Takoma Regional Hospital. He was owner of Woolsey Overlook Farm (a Pioneer Farm in continuous operation since 1779). He was in the dairy business for more than 60 years. He also produced beef, broilers, and tobacco. In addition, J.B. hauled milk for more than 65 years, first as a can route and then in partnership with his brother-in-law, J.V. Carter, and cousin, Ralph Woolsey. He was a member and trustee of New Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church; a former director of First National Bank; a former member of the Baileyton Ruritan Club; an avid supporter of North Greene and Greeneville High basketball teams; a former member of West Pines Cross Trailers Square Dance Club and the Greeneville Promenaders. J.B. was a World War II veteran, having served in the 245th Chemical Service Platoon, operating a flame-throwing tank in the Pacific Theater (in the Philippines and Japan). He was awarded several medals, including two bronze stars. Mr. Woolsey's family stated that "His life was characterized by his love for his Lord, his family, his community, his church, and the farm." A special delight to J.B. were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren (who affectionately called him "Papaw Dew"). He was a faithful member of his church, attending through May of this year. J.B. was a lifelong sports enthusiast, regularly attending the games of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Until this past spring, he was a fixture sitting on the floor in his corner with family and friends at Greeneville High School basketball games. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law: Barbara and R.T. Southerland, and two sons and daughters-in-law: Dr. Doug and Jeannie Woolsey and Roger and Linda Woolsey, all of Greeneville; five grandchildren and their spouses: Renee Skeen, Brad and Melissa Woolsey, Dr. Justin and Helen Woolsey, Brent Woolsey, and Kara and Gavin Lankford; his great-grandchildren: J.D. Woolsey, William Woolsey, Caleb Woolsey, Julia Ruth Woolsey, and Caroline Woolsey; a sister: Marguerite Harmon of Summerville, S.C.; three nieces: Patsy Ryan of Mount Pleasant, S.C., Betty McNeese of Greeneville, and Carole Miller of Kingsport; two nephews: Jimmy Carter of Greeneville and Bobby Harmon of Summerville; and his special friends: Debbie Weems, Michele Williams, and Ed Hawkins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years: Emma Ruth Woolsey; parents: Jim "Pop" and Clara Mae Woolsey; and a sister: Wanell Woolsey Carter. The family will receive friends from 3-8 p.m. today and Friday at Jeffers Funeral & Cremation Service. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at New Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. The Rev. Richard Harris and the Rev. Kenny Haun will officiate. The Greene County Honor Guard and the Tennessee National Guard will conduct a military graveside service. Pallbearers will be Jerome Woolsey, Allen "Snooks" Weems, Jerry Weems, Leonard McLain, Charlie Crenshaw, Eddie Blackwell, Leon Porter, Rob Bailey, Ken Bailey, Danny Weems, and Ray Harkey. Honorary pallbearers will be his caregivers: Lisa Porter and Teresa Blackwell; the employees of Woolsey Overlook Farm: Ralph Stowers, Lucas Carter, Harold McCall, Rosa Crenshaw, and Buddy Sproles; the members of New Lebanon Adult Sunday School Class; Bill Anderson, Bill Woolsey, Tommy Woolsey, Clark Weems, Donald Weems, Waylon Bolton, Jimmy Murray, Larry Compton, Bobby Broyles, Dan Woolsey, and Ben Woolsey. The family expressed special thanks to Caris Hospice, along with the employees of the third floor and emergency room at Takoma Regional Hospital. Memorial donations may be made to: New Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church, c/o Jane Murray, 10216 Horton Highway, Greeneville, TN 37745; or to the Greeneville/Greene County Fellowship of Christian Athletes, c/o Larry Bible, 1722 Old Shiloh Road, Greeneville, TN 37745. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of J B Woolsey, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. print Print Obituary