Willard Lee Woolery

Willard Lee Woolery, 77, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 14, 1944, in Sedalia, the son of Walker M. Woolery and Martha Amanda (Taylor) Woolery, who both preceded him in death.

On June 13, 1965, in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Sharon J. Underhill, who resides in the home.

Willard was a 1962 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. After graduation, he went to work as a Service Technician for Sears and Roebuck in Sedalia. Willard was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and served his country until honorably discharged in 1968. Willard then returned to Sedalia and worked at Sears and Roebuck, retiring with a 42-year career with the company. Willard then went to work for the Sedalia #200 School District until his retirement in 2012.

Willard enjoyed local auto racing and classic car cruises. He worked as a track official at I-70 Speedway, 65 Speedway, and Sedalia State Fair Speedway and enjoyed cruise nights at Eddies Drive-In. Willard helped family and friends with race cars, classic cars, and anything he could. From mowing grass to making repairs to transporting his grandkids, Willard always had time to help, share a story, joke, and laugh.

Along with his wife, Willard is survived by three children, Scott Woolery (LeAnn), Jason Woolery (Kendra), and Megan Grimm, all of Sedalia; seven grandchildren, Jaime Gail Ellebracht (Tyler), McKenna Woolery, Regan Woolery, Jayden Meyer, Ally Woolery, Kayley Woolery, and Liam Grimm; and a great-grandson, Banks Ellebracht; a brother, Wayne Woolery of Sedalia; and two nieces, Abby Bellich (Merv) and Mindy Lefevers (Tony).

A celebration of life visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Rea Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be held later at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia.

Honorary bearers will be Wayne Woolery, Fred Pfeiffer, Betty Pfeiffer, Les Roeber, and Wes Pease.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.