Billy Dean Woolly

Billy Dean Woolly, 83 of Bakersfield, died Feb. 13, 2021. He was born the son of Johnie and Eula Mae Woolly in Erick, Oklahoma, on April 4, 1937. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Vernon and Lonnie Woolly. He graduated Wasco High School and attended Pasadena Nazarene College.

Bill was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Above all things, he loved and supported his family. Bill married the love of his life, Earlynne Frances Miller on Friday, May 13, 1960. Their enduring devotion lasted over 60 years. Together they raised 3 daughters, Terri (Jack) Hooe of Delray Beach, Florida, Lori (John) Abrams of Zephyr Cove, Nevada and Traci (Brian) Robinson of Bakersfield. They have 8 grandchildren, Jason, Jeffrey, Jeremy & Mitchell Hooe, Natalie Jensen & Kiki Robinson, and Haley and John Abrams, Jr. In addition, they have 8 great-grandchildren.

Bill was a lifelong resident and businessman of Wasco. Bill and Earlynne owned McCafferty’s Cleaners from 1969 to 1988. Together they started and operated Bill Woolly Electric between 1990 and 2004. Bill was a charter member of the Wasco Elks Club and the Lions Club. In 1972, Bill and Earlynne purchased a historical farmhouse and made it into the home of their dreams. They became walnut farmers after acquiring the land adjacent to their home in 1999. As a 15-year long project of true love, Bill restored a classic 58’ Chevy Impala. This very model was the same used for Bill’s honeymoon travels with Earlynne. They also became members of “The Wasco Old Farts Car Club” and loved to attend car shows and parades. In 2006, they started touring the U.S. with their travel trailer and made many wonderful memories. In 2018, they moved to Bakersfield to be closer to family.

Bill was the highest caliber of a man. Bill will always be admired for his work ethic, integrity, honesty, generosity and infectious laugh. Bill will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, deeply devoted family man and dearest of friend. For all, Bill will always be forever loved and very much missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Wasco Historical Society, 918 6th Street, Wasco, CA, 93280 or Hoffman Hospice, 4401 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, CA, 93311.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Peters Funeral Home in Wasco. Graveside services will be Friday, Feb. 19 at the Wasco Memorial Park at 10:30 a.m.