John Henry Wooley, Jr.

SANTA FE – Mr. John Henry Wooley, Jr., passed away at the age of 74 on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Texas City.

John was born August 30, 1951, in Galveston. From an early age, John enjoyed being on and around the water, swimming, fishing, skiing or surfing. As a kid, he often used his catch of the day as dinner for the family. He graduated from Texas City High School in 1969 and immediately went into the U.S. Marine Corp, where he was stationed in Hawaii. After his honorable discharge, he joined Carpenter’s Local Union 973 and later owned his own businesses: Wholesale Seafood and then Dockside Construction. John enjoyed listening to old country and rock music, playing his guitar in multiple bands, dancing, and going to the game rooms but nothing brought him more joy than to tease or play pranks on his grandchildren, family or friends. John was a jokester who loved making you laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Edna Mae Wooley, Sr.; wife, Sandra Davis Wooley; son-in-law, Robert Watts, Jr.

Survivors include his children, Jay Wooley and wife, Stephanie, Leslie Shelton and husband, Craig, Shanna Watts and fiancé, Barry Alexander, Cade McCamey and wife, Kristen; sisters, Shirley Baker and husband, J.D., Peggy Dean and husband, Bruce; first wife, Barbara Stroble; grandchildren, Christian Wooley and wife, Faith, Hannah Selover and husband, John, Carson Wooley, Clay Sheppard, Hailey Sheppard, Brayden Walton and husband, Trace, Brindin Watts and fiancé, Kyleigh Holm, Gunnar McCamey, Logan Stelton and wife, Lacie; great-grandchildren, Cooper and Baylor Wooley, Jude and James Selover, Jaxon and Waylon Walton; multiple nieces and nephews; beloved dog, Tootsie.

Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock with Justin Kirkwood officiating. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Christian Wooley, Carson Wooley, Clay Sheppard, John Selover, Trace Walton, and Brindin Watts. Honorary bearers will be Gunnar McCamey, Jaxon Walton, Waylon Walton and Cooper Wooley.

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