David Woolbright, 83, of Centralia, passed away peacefully, Monday, June 30, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born on November 14, 1941, in Centralia, the son of Alva “Cotsie” and Velina (Galassini) Woolbright. He married Bette Rae Hoyt in 1962 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, and they shared 62 amazing years of marriage.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Bette Woolbright of Centralia; children, Mark (Peggy) Woolbright of Kirkwood, MO, and Leigh Ann (Mike) Miller of Centralia; 11 precious grandchildren; 9 cherished great-grandchildren, with 2 more on the way; sister, Loretta Woolbright of Centralia; brother-in-law, Mike (Sue) Hoyt of Centralia.
Mr. Woolbright was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Betty Rose Hoyt.
David graduated from Bailey Technical School in St. Louis. He was partners with Harold Monken as the owners, operators of D & H standard filling station. David was a diligent worker and loyal employee of Illinois Bell for 30 years, where he worked as a mechanic. He was a member of the Ambassadors Bass Club and spent many enjoyable weekends fishing with good friends. He was a car enthusiast, working on engines in his shed and satisfying his need for speed while watching Nascar races. He was always willing to help friends who needed their cars or boats worked on. David could easily be found outside from sun-up to sun-down, manicuring his lawn, fishing, and hunting for duck and quail in his younger years. He truly appreciated any adventure spent in the great outdoors, respecting nature and all it had to offer. David was a loving family man who valued time making memories with his loved ones and finding it of the utmost importance. David will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generosity, his protective provision for his family, his impressive skill in the art of mechanics, and the love and support he gave to his family.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. David’s family extends sincere, deep gratitude to all the caring, compassionate nurses of SSM Health Home Hospice, who provided for their every need. Memorials may be made in David’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Got Your Six, who provide service dogs for veterans and first responders, and will be accepted for his family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of David may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
