William "Bill" Woolaver

Funeral services for William “Bill” Woolaver, 91, of Decatur, Texas, will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 9, at the funeral home. 

Pallbearers will include Walter Richardson, Joe Martinez, Josh Martinez, Troy Richardson, Brad Swiger, and Todd Green; Honorary Pallbearers Donald Willis, Ronald Willis, Wayne Woolaver, and Lonny Henry.

William “Bill” Woolaver went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 4, 2026, in Decatur, Texas. Born on April 1, 1934, to Charles L. and Pauline (Gill) Woolaver in Decatur, Bill lived a full and meaningful life centered around his family, faith, and work. He married Ruth Nell Bryan on May 5, 1951, in Decatur, and together they built a loving family and shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.

Throughout his career, Bill worked as a truck driver, owned a service station, and served as a safety trainer for Ryder Truck. His dedication and work ethic were evident in every role he undertook. Above all, Bill was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and unwavering support.

Bill was a faithful member of the Greenwood Church of Christ, where he found strength and fellowship throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Pauline Woolaver; his beloved wife of 62 years, Ruth; his brothers Calvin, JV, and Ray Woolaver; his sister, Maye Lefler; and his son-in-law, Mike Green.

Bill leaves behind four daughters who cherish his memory: Carrol Johnson and husband Roger of Rhome, Texas, Theresa East and husband Wayne of Decatur, Texas, Patricia Green of North Richland Hills, Texas, Ja-Nice Woolaver and husband Jim Slagle of Pflugerville, Texas.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Alicia Saunders Green and husband Todd of Weatherford, Texas, Mikki East Martinez and husband Joe of Decatur, Texas, Bryan Heath Saunders and wife Angela of Lonoke, Arkansas; great-grandchildren, Walter Richardson of Springtown, Texas, Maci East of New York City, Carlen Richardson and husband Troy of Springtown, Texas, Troy Heath Saunders and wife Shelby of Onalaska, Texas, Wyatt Saunders and wife Madison of Longview, Texas, and Joshua and Sarah Martinez of Fort Worth, Texas. Bill was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren: Waylon Richardson of Springtown, Texas, Indie Saunders of Onalaska, Texas, Clayton Richardson of Springtown, Texas, and Max Martinez of Fort Worth, Texas.

Bill is also survived by a very special friend, Jo Maxwell of St. Jo, Texas, who held an important place in his life.

In addition, he was also blessed with a bonus family, including Amanda Sodolak of New Ulm, Texas, Mary Harville of College Station, Texas, Sarah Johnson of Welborn, Texas, and Roger Johnson Jr. of Iola, Texas, along with other family members and a host of friends who will remember him fondly.

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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