William Earl “Billy Jay” Woolard Jr., age 57, a lifelong resident of Beaufort County, passed away Jan. 18 at his home on 3503 Slatestone Road. He lived in the ancestral home of his parents and grandparents where he was born and raised.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Monnia Jay Singleton Woolard.

Surviving are his wife, Jackie, son Ryan Woolard and wife Terry, daughter Courtney Arnold and husband Jason, daughter Heather Younts and husband Chase; stepson Harbor Peoples and wife Cathy, and stepdaughter Larkin Peoples and fiancé Randy Shapiro; grandsons Caden Woolard, Korbyn Arnold, and baby Younts due May 27; granddaughters Kennedy Arnold, Karrigan Arnold, Annisten Woolard, and Cooper Haskins; brother John Charles Woolard and wife Tricia, sister Vicki Crumpler and husband Marshall; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Billy Jay was a consummate outdoorsman. He lived to fish and hunt, and treasured all memories of many outings with his grandfather, father, son and his friends. His appreciation for growing things sprang from many years of working on the family farm. He kept this tradition in his heart and maintained beautiful and manicured grounds around his home.

Billy Jay gave unselfishly of time and talents to the Southern Dismal Swamp Hunt Club, the Emmaus Walk and First Christian Church, where he served as trustee, president of CMF and elder. But his true calling was helping others whenever he was needed.

Billy Jay was a witness for his Savior as he gave unconditional love. He loved people as they were, whoever they were, and wherever they were. Billy Jay was a big, strong, larger-than-life man, but he showed his love in a caring and tender way that few men are able to do.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday Jan. 21, 2012 at the First Christian Church in Washington officiated by Dr. Michael Price. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. Donnie Woolard, Tommy Douglas, Neil Woolard, Steven Whitley, Joel Moore, Tommy Rutledge, William Woolard and Keith Douglas will serve as pallbearers.

The family received friends at the home.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, Bill Dunn Fund, 401 E. Second St., Washington, NC 27889 or North Carolina Estuarium, 223 Water St., Washington, NC 27889.

Condolences may be offered the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Woolard family.