Marshall R. Woolbright

May 24, 1932 - January 31, 2022

U.S. Veteran

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Marshall Raye (Raye) Woolbright

May 24, 1932 – January 31, 2022

 

Marshall Raye (Raye) Woolbright, 89 of Aloha, Oregon, much beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed into the Presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 31st, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Raye was born at home May 24, 1932 to farmers Otto and Lettie Woolbright of Briggsville, Arkansas. He had two older sisters, Ila Grace Woolbright and Fannie Bell Woolbright and older brother James Harold Woolbright. He was followed by his brother Wesley Leon Woolbright and sister Carolyn Ann Woolbright. After some years the family moved to the Richland, Washington where Raye spent his growing up years. Raye was attending school, worked in a local laundry and was active in his local Nazarene Church. Raye graduated from Columbia High School in Richland, Washington in 1950.

After High School Raye attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho, where he met his wife, Lavonna (Bonnie) Jean Smith of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Raye and Bonnie were married July 27, 1952. Raye worked for a period of time as a cheese maker in Tillamook, Oregon. He was happily and completely, committed to hs marriage.

The couple lived first in Tillamook, Oregon, then at Parks AFB in California followed by Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas where Raye served as weapons instructor for basic training in the military. Post military, Raye accepted a position with Montgomery Ward in Spokane, Washington. He was transferred to Albany, Oregon then to Portland, where the family settled long term, now with four children. After becoming empty nesters, Raye and Bonnie moved to southeast Portland where they attended and became active at Eastside Free Methodist Church for many happy years.

Raye worked for Broadway Cab Company from 1966 to 2013 when he retired at 80 years of age.

In Raye’s free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, weight lifting, coaching little league baseball and watching football. He loved the flowers Bonnie planted, watching the birds and squirrels eat the forage they put out, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was active in his church till moving to Aloha, Oregon to live with his oldest son and wife. Raye and Bonnie loved the Oregon coast. Most of all, he loved his Lord, the sustainer of his life. Raye was a very easy person to like. Quick with a smile, respectful of all those he met.  He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Mai of Nampa, Idaho; son Terrel (and Becky) Woolbright of Aloha, Oregon; daughter Diana (and Paul) Hofrichter of Central City, Nebraska; son Mark (and Karen) Woolbright of Helix, Oregon; son Rob (and Gina) Woolbright of Vancouver, Washington; thirteen grandchildren, and thirty great grandchildren.

A memorial service in celebration of Raye’s life will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022 2 PM at the Alliance Bible Church, 4174 SE Bentley St, Hillsboro, OR 97123. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

If you wish to donate money in Raye’s name, please donate to your favorite veteran’s support organization.

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