Don Ray Wooldridge

Donnie Ray Wooldridge, age 88, of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. Born in Marmaduke, Arkansas, Don dedicated 22 years of service to the U.S. Coast Guard, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.

In 1962, Don married Anne Cowart, and together they navigated the many relocations that came with Coast Guard life, moving to several East Coast duty stations while raising their young family.

Following his retirement from military service, Don and his family settled in Woodstock, Georgia. He went on to work at Pepsi’s Atlanta operations until the early 2000s. Known for his impeccable lawn and quiet nature, Don was a man whose character was reflected more in his actions than his words.

He regularly attended services at Sandy Plains Baptist Church in Marietta.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Anne Cowart Wooldridge, who passed in October 2025.

He is survived by his children, Kathy Ray (Kelly), David Wooldridge (Beth), and Amy Adams (Eric); his sister, Ella Mae Kincade of Arkansas; five grandsons, two granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren. He will be remembered with respect and affection by all who knew him.

A military service honoring Don’s 22 years of service to the United States Coast Guard will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton on Wednesday, January 14, at 1:00 PM. His wife, Anne, who was cremated, will be interred with Don, reunited in rest after a lifetime of love and service.

A motorcade will depart from Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in Cartersville at 11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made In his memory to the Coast Guard Foundation or Must Ministries. The family has arranged to receive acknowledgements directly from the organizations.