W.C. Wooten May 22, 1942 – May 24, 2020

William Clifton Wooten passed away at the Helena Regional Medical Center at the age of 78. A son of W.B. and Hazel Wooten, he was born in Poplar Grove. 'W.C." as he was known, shared childhood activities with five siblings and received formal education in the nearby community of Marvell.

At age 18, W.C. joined the Navy and received aircraft mechanic training in Great Lakes, Illinois. For the next 22 years, he was completely devoted to serving his country with honor. He was assigned to the Navy ships, USS Independence and USS Saratoga. Stateside, duty stations were in Florida, Washington, Georgia, and Tennessee, with three years overseas duty in Spain and Vietnam. Upon completing military service, he returned to Marvell.

He and Betty Thomas were married on April 7, 1987, and lived in the communities of Lexa and Marvell. As parents, they enjoyed the activities of raising four children. In time those children began families of their own and W.C. greatly enjoyed the role of "Grandpa". He was of the Baptist faith and at various times worked for Helena Electric, MFA Oil, and the Helena Newspaper. Favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, gardening, and restoring photos.

Preceding in death were his parents; wife; and one brother, Gerald Wooten. Immediate surviving family includes four children, Bill Wooten of Marvell, Scott Wooten and wife, Jennifer, of Springdale, Margaret Black, of Lexa, and Nancy Clemons, of Marvell; four siblings, Bobby Wooten and wife, Joyce, of Kentucky, Otis Wooten, of Centerton, Carolyn Caillouet, and Rita Wilson and husband, Tim, all of Springdale, eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were May 28 at Marvell Cemetery by the Bob Neal & Sons - Brickell Funeral Home in Marvell.