John Henry Wooten Jr.
96, Columbia
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, in Woodlawn Cemetery for John Henry Wooten Jr., 96, of Columbia, who died on Monday, Jan. 23, in Columbia. Heather Hensarling officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 9:45 a.m. until the time of the services on Thursday, Jan. 26, in Woodlawn Cemetery.
He was born and raised in Laurel, where he joined the Navy at 17 years old and served during WWII. He attended Duke University and majored in electrical engineering and was employed by Mississippi Power Company in Laurel, before transferring in 1962 to Columbia, where he served as manager. Later he went to work for the City of Columbia as Deputy City Clerk until 1991 when he retired.
He and his wife of 71 years, Shirley, enjoyed entertaining friends and family on their back porch on a daily basis. He loved to tell the stories of his childhood and the adventures of his life. He never forgot a joke and had a million to tell everywhere he went. He was involved in various civic clubs like Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. He had many lifelong friends and was like a father to many of his friends’ children. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and taught the men's bible class for 45 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Johnson Wooten; father, Henry Wooten Sr.; and mother, Opal Bailey Wooten.
Survivors include his son, John Wooten III; daughter, Jena Beifus (Mike); and brother, R. P. Wooten.
Pallbearers were Bobby Armstrong, Charlie Strickland, Hal Kittrell and Steve Pittman. Honorary pallbearers were The First United Methodist Church Men’s Bible Class.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to First United Methodist Church of Columbia. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com. Hathorn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
