William Steven Woolard, 72, of Pinehurst, passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and friends on Monday, Sept. 25th, 2023. He was a “walking-talking-miracle.” He was a fighter at heart, persevering through a 5-year-battle with stage 4 lung cancer and defied the odds with an unwavering faith, hope, and determination. His positive spirit never surrendered to the thought that his circumstances weren’t fair, and he never complained. He just refused to give up!
Born in Washington, NC, he was the son of the late Henry Stewart and Ella Mae Smith Woolard. After high school graduation, Steve earned his Bachelor of Wood Science and Technology from NC State University. He began his career at Weyerhaeuser as a Plant Manager, a career that spanned over 25 years. Steve went on to work for several other wood products companies before finishing his career with Armstrong World Industries. Throughout his career, his skills would see him transferred to plants in West Virginia, Macon, GA, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, as well as Plymouth, Williamston and New Bern, NC. Steve was the recipient of a multitude of distinguished awards throughout his career.
Steve was a humble man who taught through example. He was proud of the mentorship he shared with his teams and took pride in helping others succeed in their own endeavors. Steve had an incredible career and leaves a legacy of leaders in all the places he worked. While his professional accomplishments were full of superlatives, his greatest accomplishment was his walk with the Lord. This good man, great man, was most proud that he became a Godly man. He always saw his cancer as a chance to share with others the blessings he felt with each new day.
Steve was the loving husband of Patricia “Pattie” Eisenzimmer Woolard for 32 blessed years. He was brother of Jerry Woolard, of Mableton, GA. He was the proud father of Kellie Wallace, husband Adam, Erin Terry, husband Mike, and Blair Hofmann, husband Joseph. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Noah Wallace, Fischer Terry and Joseph and Oliver Hofmann as well as a number nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 300 Dundee Rd., Pinehurst at 11:00 am on Monday, October 2nd.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Cancer CARE Fund via the Foundation at FirstHealth. https://www.firsthealth.org/foundation-of-firsthealth/caring-for-people-funds/cancer-care-fund/
Online condolences may be made at www.BolesFuneralHome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
