September 21, 2026,87, Goldsboro – William Hilliard “Bill” Woolard, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the North Carolina Veterans Home in Kinston, surrounded by the love of his family.
Bill was born in Beaufort County on January 1, 1939, to the late Leslie and Lillian Waters Woolard. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man whose life was defined by faith, service, hard work, and dedication to his family.
Bill proudly served his country for four years in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he began a career in sales with Sears in Goldsboro, where he became a familiar and trusted presence in the community. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church and Wayne Masonic Lodge #112 A.F. & A.M.
Bill had a deep love for golf and was especially dedicated to Lane Tree Golf Club, where he had been a member since the club opened. His connection to Lane Tree became an important part of his life, and he proudly served there as a ranger. Whether enjoying a round of golf or helping care for the course, Bill took great pride in being part of the Lane Tree family.
Bill never believed in idle hands. He took great pride in caring for his home and especially his backyard, which he lovingly transformed into his own little piece of Heaven, complete with rose bushes, grapevines, flowers, birdhouses, birdbaths, and hummingbird feeders. He enjoyed golf, fishing, airplanes, gardening, woodworking, and keeping busy with projects around the house.
Family was at the heart of Bill’s life. Some of his fondest memories were made with his grandchildren—hiding Easter eggs, pulling them around in his Radio Flyer, growing tomatoes, practicing his putting, and raking leaves for them to jump into. He was a man of strong convictions who believed everything had its place and took pride in everything he did. Though stoic and meticulous, Bill was also charming, funny, and deeply devoted to those he loved.
He enjoyed Carolina Tar Heels and Carolina Panthers, keeping up with the stock market, listening to Andrea Bocelli, sweets—especially blueberry cobbler and Neapolitan ice cream—and a good home-cooked meal. More than anything, he treasured his wife, family, faith, and the life they shared together.
The family will receive friends on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, followed by a service at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Barry Stallings and Gordon McGinnis officiating. Interment with military honors will be on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Ann House Woolard; his daughters, Lillian W. Vinson and husband, James, of Goldsboro, Cynthia W. Leamy of Raleigh, and Sheila Kay W. Rhyne and husband, Kelly, of Ayden; grandchildren, William J. Vinson, Elliott Tracey, Noah Leamy, Logan Leamy, and Lauren Vinson; great-grandchildren, Skylar Tracey and Cameron Vinson; and sisters, Hilda Scheibach and Sarah Kay Miller.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald L. Woolard.
Bill leaves behind more than a lifetime of accomplishments. He leaves a garden he lovingly tended, things he built with his own hands, the course at Lane Tree Golf Club where he spent so many years as a member and ranger, traditions shared with his family, and countless memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Comments