of Harrison, AR

September 27, 1938 - September 22, 2025

William Roosevelt Woosley, known affectionately as Bill, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025. He was 86 years old.
Bill was born on September 27, 1938, in Danvers, Illinois, to William McKinley Woosley and Hildred Ann (Talley) Woosley. He was the eighth of nine children in a loving family that included three brothers and five sisters.
On August 18, 1960, Bill married the love of his life, Sandra Lee Woosley. Together, they shared 40 wonderful years, raising their three daughters, loving their grandchildren, and building a life full of love and adventure. Bill and Sandra's partnership was one of deep commitment to their family and community.
Bill was a hardworking and intelligent man with a passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge. He began his career as a farmer in Iowa, where he was honored as Top Corn Yielding Producer for two consecutive years. The family later moved to Arkansas, where Bill managed Marion County Feed for 23 years, retiring at the remarkable age of 80. He was deeply committed to his customers, supporting the youth with their livestock projects, and well-known for his willingness to help others.
A lifelong horseman, Bill's love for horses began at age 16 when he worked as a jockey and exercise rider for Benny Creech Racing Stables, a role that took him to Hot Springs, Arkansas, Florida, Chicago, and the Kentucky Derby. His passion grew into decades of involvement in the horse world�"showing, training, and raising AQHA horses. His many years in the equine industry led him to places like the AQHA World Show, King Ranch, movie sets, rodeos, and horse shows.
Above all, Bill was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He cherished his family and created a lifetime of memories with his beloved wife Sandra and their daughters Jodi, Jackie, and Judi. His legacy of love, loyalty, and hard work lives on in each of them.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Sandra; his parents; and his siblings and in-laws: Lettie Mae (Clarence) Farrell, Lyle Richard (Margie) Woosley, Viola Arminta (Roger) Denler-Altes, Joseph Wilson (Mary) Woosley, James Sullivan (Marilyn) Woosley, Lief Hoyland, Martha June Keehma, and John Anderson (nephew).
Left to cherish his memory are his 3 daughters Jodi (Eric) Fugett, Jackie Harris, and Judi (Chris) Hicks, his 6 grandchildren Leesia (Jaime) Rodriguez, Whitney (Luke) Adams, Aubry Harris, Dillon Harris, Katie Hicks, Kolbe Hicks, and 3 great grandchildren Braxton Rodriguez, Camden Adams, and Layne Adams.
Pallbearers are Ronnie Summers, Cory Bowen, Brent Rozeboom, Willy Caviness, Dillon Harris, and Eric Fugett.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Carter, John Ronald Williams, Kirk Powell, Mike King, Fon Cash, Donald Morris, Mike Sullivan, Jaime Rodriguez, and Luke Adams
Bill Woosley's life was one of purpose, service, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication to family, strong work ethic, and passion for helping others that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A visitation will be held to honor Bill's life on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home in Harrison. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 PM at Bellefonte Cemetery, with Dean Fugett officiating.

 

Sign Guestbook

8 Condolence(s)