Robert J. Woolery Sr. Obituary (1945 - 2017)

Robert J. Woolery Sr. (Bob), 71, of Sumpter, Oregon passed away Friday, May 12, 2017 in the Boise Veteran's Hospital in Boise, Idaho after a long battle with lung cancer. A private family service is planned for later in the summer. There will be no formal services as Bob's wishes were to be cremated and his desire was to have his ashes spread in a special place on the family ranch where he spent his childhood. Bob was born June 6, 1945 in Caldwell, Idaho to Clark R. and Pauline E. (Griffin) Woolery. He was raised most of his childhood by his mother and step-father Phillip Nicely. He graduated from Baker High School in 1963. Bob was a veteran of the Vietnam War, joining the military at the age of 17 and retiring after 22 years at the age of 39 and serving in two tours of duty during his military career. He gained training in special ops, and was an instructor for nuclear, biological and chemical readiness. Bob also went to school to become a licensed practical nurse, spending the last 12 years of his career working for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Baker City. On October 31, 2014, he married Ruth Teunissen in Riverside, California. Bob enjoyed playing Santa Clause for quite some time. He made appearances at elementary schools, D&B Supply, and the hospital. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, working in his shop and riding his tractor. Bob is survived by his mother Polly Nicely of Baker City, Oregon, wife Ruth Teunissen of Sumpter, Oregon, daughter Cooky (Chris) Smythers of Culpeper, Virginia, son Robert J. Woolery Jr. "Robby" of Friendsville, Tennessee, former wife and mother of his children Lynda Woolery of Friendsville, Tennessee, and his two special grandsons Griffin O. and Brody A. Smythers. He is also survived by a half sister, sisters in-law Jenny (Duane) Hammer of Land of Lakes, Florida, and Kathy (Gary) Whitehead of Lenoir City, Tennessee, several special nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, In addition to his surviving family, he will also be sorely missed by his beloved fur babies, Gumby and Buster. He was preceded in death by his father Clark Robert Woolery, infant sister Carolyn, step-father Phillip O. Nicely Jr. and a brother Phillip Nicely III. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his honor may be made to K-9's for Warriors or the Wounded Warriors Program through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.