Joe Gable Woolery Jr.

Joseph (Joe) Gable Woolery, Jr., passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at home with family by his side (and in his ear). He was 84 years old.

Joe was born May 12, 1941, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He was the son of Joseph Gable Woolery and Dorothy Hutchings. He was a graduate of Ardmore High School, class of 1959. He attended Southeastern State College.

Joe was proud of his Choctaw heritage. He loved arrowhead hunting and sharing that passion with his children and grandchildren. He loved being outdoors – fishing, camping, riding motorcycles in his earlier years, watching the stars, maintaining the perfect lawn, swimming, and several other hobbies. He spent many of his childhood days at Little River with his parents and cousin Diana. He cherished his trips to Sanibel with his daughters yearly. He loved playing cards. He was an avid reader, challenging himself to read every book his daughter Patty threw his way and there were hundreds!! When he was unable to be outdoors, he would spend time working on puzzles. He enjoyed taking photos and memorializing all the events in his life he loved the most. He loved music, singing in the choir and with a quartet in his earlier years, playing base guitar, and experiencing all the music played and produced by his son Joey and his band for many years. He was the original roadie! He loved his baby girl, Sunny, and spent his final years under the care of her and her husband.

His greatest passion was flying. He worked with planes in many capacities throughout his life from Test Pilot to Inspector. He loved his job with Air Tractor, Inc. and the many people who shared his passion, especially Milton Humpries. Anything that flew fascinated him. He could hear a plane from miles away and always made everyone “look look” when he saw one. He loved flying model planes with his childhood friend Boyd Roberts. He was captivated by hummingbirds and keeping those feeders full was a top priority.

Joe was passionate about all he did and loved his family.

Joe is survived by his children: Joseph (Joey) Woolery III, Patricia (Patty) Sherrin (husband, Derrell), and Sunny Murphy (husband, Alex). His grandchildren: Kari (Nikki) Sherrin, Tyler Woolery, Steven Sherrin (wife Allie), Kylie Rock (husband, Chris), Katie Mosley (husband, Kolby), Emily Woolery, Jacob Woolery, and Lexy Dowty (husband, Jim). His cousin: Diana Walters (old buzzard). His great grandchildren: Kaylie, Colton, Parker, Kynzee, Kace, Aubrey, Mason, Harper, Karter, Karsyn, Ady, Easton, and one more ‘on the way’. And many close friends who he all loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank caregivers Oasis, Nakia, Paige, Cindy, Sandra, Savanah, and countless others who helped us along the way. Also thank you to Gentiva Hospice Staff, specifically Kim, Gena, and Pastor Craig, for your care and compassion and for carrying us through this painful journey.

Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at a future date in Jacksboro, Texas, according to Joe’s wishes.