Alton Neal Woolard, Sr. of Little River, South Carolina, formerly of Bath, died Sunday, June 12, 2011 at his home in Little River.

Alton was born on April 20, 1948 to the late James Henry Woolard and Charlotte Wallace Woolard Sutton. He graduated from Washington High School, Class of 1966. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 1966-1971. While in the Navy he served three tours in Vietnam and received two Purple Hearts, was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Commendation Medal. Following his discharge, he worked as a salesman and sales supervisor with C.O. Tankard Company in Washington until he retired in 1995. Alton lived in Atlantic Beach before moving to Little River.

Alton is survived by his son Alton “Neal” Woolard Jr. and his partner Erica Swain, daughter Sara W. Kleinknecht and her husband Tom, granddaughter Channing Elizabeth Mitchell who called him Granddaddy Ice, stepgrandson Tommy Kleinknecht all of Greenville, brothers; Bobby T. Woolard and wife Marianne, Leonard H. Woolard and wife Phyllis, Preston Woolard, Dwain Woolard and wife Melanie, Rex Woolard and wife Sherry, sisters Gloria W. Ormond and husband Thomas, Anita Sutton Bridgeman and husband Colin, sister-in-law Nancy Woolard.  In addition to his parents, Alton was predeceased by a brother John Henry Woolard and stepfather Plum Sutton.

A celebration gathering to share memories of Alton will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at Kenneth Ormond’s Shop in Bayview, N.C.  Alton’s wishes are being honored and his ashes will be released into the ocean at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local VFW Post or charity of one’s choice. A message of condolence may be sent to lfh@aire-comm.net.

Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.