Saltillo - Robert Franklin “Bob” Woolard, Jr., 61, died Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at his residence after a brief illness. A native of Columbus, Ohio, he was born January 2, 1950, to Robert Franklin and June Ballog Woolard. He grew up in Cahaba Heights, Ala., Tupelo, and Ocala Fla. where he graduated in 1970 from Ocala High School. He attended Florida Tech before joining the U.S. Army where he served two tours in Vietnam. Upon returning home to Tupelo, he worked until his retirement in the family business, Quality Coatings, Inc. He loved reading, music, collecting coins, hunting, fishing, and had a true respect for the great outdoors. He liked taking long rides and talking about the future with his son.

A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011 at The Saltillo Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Brandon Lawson and Lawrence Watson presiding.

Survivors include his sons, Robert Franklin Woolard III, Lawrence Watson and Brandon Lawson; his daughters, Karen Loni Hodges and Nicole Poole; his sister, Karen Hodges (Zeke); his caregiver and mother of his children, Vilicia Woolard; and a grandson, Calen Jared Hodges.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, William and Mabel Woolard and John and Alice Ballog; his aunt and uncle, Richard and Helen Keene; and a cousin, John Keene.

Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. to service time Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to The Sanctuary Hospice House, PO Box 2177, Tupelo MS 38803; or the charity of the donor's choice.