The life of Mr. James Eddie Lee (Bill) Wooden of Detroit, Michigan, ended here on earth, Wednesday morning, September 25, 2013. He was called by our Heavenly Father to enter the Pearly Gates to receive his reward. His life ended at Heartland Rehabilitation in Grosse-Pointe Woods, Michigan. Bill was the son of the late Deacon John and Deaconess Ruth Johnson Wooden of Salley, South Carolina. At an early age, he was baptized at Smyrna Baptist Church, and sang diligently on the Junior Choir for many years. Along with his brother Thomas (deceased) and sisters Dorothy and Doris, the Wooden Sisters & Brothers Quartet was formed. They represented Smyrna at various occasions for many years as they sang songs of Zion with all their might. Mr. Wooden attended Martha Schofield High School for three years and graduated from A.L. Corbett High the following year as a star basketball player. After being employed by the Savannah River Plant for a number of years, he moved to Detroit, Michigan. He continued serving God by uniting under Christian Experience with King David Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend R.W. Dixon, whom he respected and supported. He worked for, and retired from Chrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, working in the assembly division. He later received his Nursing Certification and worked as a male nurse's assistant for many years. Until fall of 2012 he worked as a licensed Security Officer. Mr. Wooden served as a Union leader for many years emphasizing pay raises versus strike, to encourage employers to increase the workers salaries. Bill was pre-deceased by his parents, brothers: Curtis, Landis, Douglas Charles (D.C.), Thomas, and Connie Wooden; also brothers-in-laws: Lester Staley, John Ware, Sgt. Leroy Gantt, Jr, and Sloan Griffin, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories, his sisters: Mrs. Myrtis Staley, Jackson, SC, Mrs. Dorothy R. Ware, Detroit, Michigan, Mrs. Doris Griffin, Ninety Six, SC, Mrs. Gloria (John) Williams, Aiken, SC, and Mrs. Barbara J. Gantt, Columbia, SC; two sister-in-law: Mrs. Alwillie Wooden, Salley, SC, and Mrs. Doris Wooden, Aiken, SC, a special niece and caregiver: Renita Lorraine Holliness, along with a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and caring friends.

Service Information

The family will be accepting visitors at the J.H. Robinson Funeral Home, 190 Railroad ave Wagener on Sunday September 29, 2013 starting at 3:00PM. Funeral Service for Mr. James (Bill) Wooden will be held Monday, September 30, 2013, 1:00 p.m. at Smyrna Baptist Church. Burial will held at Smyrna Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Wooden will be held one hour before services for final viewing.