Harold "Wimp" Ray Woolley

Harold Ray “Wimp” Woolley, 86, of Belle passed away early Tuesday morning, September 27, 2022, just three days shy of his 87^th birthday. He was born in Belle on September 30, 1935, a son of Fred and Orpha (Brewer) Woolley.

He was a 1953 graduate of Belle High School.

He was united in marriage on January 23, 1954 to Virginia Mae Shockley at First Baptist Church in Belle.

Wimp and Virginia moved to Illinois where he was employed with Tri-City Grocery Company for 19 years.

In 1972, they returned to Belle and purchased the former Curtman’s Grocery Store and began their business, Woolley’s Shopping Basket. The business was used as a wildlife check station for the Missouri Dept. of Conservation. This gave the family the opportunity to begin processing deer. Many people would check in their deer and leave it to be processed. A large crowd would gather every year to see the big bucks that were harvested. The family worked long hours during deer season, processing hundreds of deer.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Belle Lions Club, Belle Bridle and Saddle Club and First Baptist Church in Belle. He had been attending Faith Baptist Church in Belle until his health no longer permitted.

Wimp loved sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. He played with the town softball team for many years. He served as an umpire and referee for several years.

In 1999, Wimp closed his business and officially entered retirement. Since he wasn’t completely ready to quit the work force, he joined the Lowe’s team in Rolla, helping set up shelves and stock items in the newly constructed building. He later worked for the Maries R-II School District as a crosswalk guard and served as an election judge in Maries County for Jefferson Township. He also served as an Alderman for the City of Belle.

Wimp purchased land on the Gasconade River and built a clubhouse for his family to enjoy. He loved spending time with his family on the Gasconade River. For many years, the family would get together at “Woolleyville” (also known as God’s Country to Wimp) and enjoy boating, floating, fishing, and wonderful meals.

Tired of the flooding, Wimp sold his river land and started raising chickens and rabbits. You could usually find him either sitting in his truck or sitting in a lawn chair watching the traffic go by.

After his heart bypass surgery, his health began to fail. He moved to Gasconade Manor in Owensville where the staff spoiled him. He remained active at Gasconade Manor as long as his health permitted. He especially enjoyed the special musical guests, Bingo, and served as the taste tester for the Cooking Corner.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Terra Sue Wright in October of 2002 and Sherri Lea Crider in October of 2021; grandson Christopher Michael Wright in January of 2021; brothers Virgil Woolley, Fred Woolley, Jr., and Lloyd Woolley; sisters Mildred Green, Maxine Wilhold, Pearl “Sissy” Pointer and Brooksie Hicks.

Survivors include his wife Virginia of the home in Belle; children Debbie Wright of Belle, Vicki Stallman of Owensville, Christi Lurk and husband Tom of Branson, and Kerri Jones and husband Roy of Branson. He is also survived by three grandchildren that he and Virginia raised, Nichoel Snodgrass and husband Craig of Belle, Jonathan Woolley and wife Lisa of Belle, and Crystal Wright and husband Kyle of Joplin. Other survivors include one sister, Judy Picker of Pensacola, FL; grandchildren Danny Wright, Jr. and wife Candice of Marion, IL, Brandy Crider of Belle, Danica Crider of Belle, Reven Newbound and wife Samantha of Owensville, Sundi Jo Graham of Branson and Kayci Doss and husband Brian of Belle; and more than 20 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Friday, September 30, 2022 at Faith Baptist Church in Belle with his grandson Jonathan Woolley officiating. His family will hold a memorial service at Skaggs Chapel Cemetery following his cremation.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Faith Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, PO Box 668, Belle, MO 65013.