Corporal Jacob Lee Wooley

Corporal Jacob Lee Wooley Jacob Lee Wooley, formerly of Corinth, MS, died on March 21, at Quantico Marine Headquarters, Quantico, VA. Born January 25, 1990, in Amory, Mississippi, Jacob is survived by his parents, Linda Wooley of Tupelo, MS, and Jim Wooley of Corinth, sister Anna Lauren Wood and husband Nick, and nephew Nicholas, nieces Blakeleigh and Anna Paisleigh Wood, paternal grandmother Ruby Wooley McGill, paternal grandfather Tommy McGill, maternal grandfather Charles Butler, aunt Debra Butler Wallin and husband Rick, their children and grandchildren, uncle Ricky Butler, his children and grandchildren, uncle Thomas McGill, aunt Tammy Inman and husband Jackie, all of Corinth, and a “special aunt” Freeda Vinson McDowell of Trinity, AL, and a host of relatives, friends and his Marine Corps brothers. He shared a very special bond with his cousin Matthew, and David “Dave-O” Reece, his dear friend who became a second father. Jacob was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Ann Wilkins Cornelius and Dennis Cornelius, and his paternal grandfather Jim R. Wooley. Jacob attended Alcorn Central High School and Northeast Mississippi Junior College before joining the Marine Corps in February 2010, where he served as a field radio operator. Promoted to Corporal in July 2012, he had received the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Jacob had a rare gift for making those around him feel special; his Marine Corps brothers said he had a light in him that few possess; he cared deeply for his family, God and Country, and shared everything he had when he saw someone in need. Jacob always had a big smile for everyone, and never met a stranger. Jacob was quick to defend anyone who was being threatened or mistreated, and he became a Marine to defend his Country. Jacob truly loved life, and lived it to the fullest! By nature, Jacob was competitive, adventurous and curious, and he wanted to learn as much as he could and be the best at everything he attempted. Although he loved being a Marine, and often said that boot camp was the most fun he had had since he was a kid, at heart he was a Mama’s boy, and made sure everyone around him knew it! Jacob loved spending time at family gatherings sharing laughter and a good meal. He loved to wake his sister Anna to make late-night food runs to McDonald’s, just to spend time with her. Jacob loved the outdoors, and he spent time hunting, fishing, camping, rock climbing, hiking, scuba diving and swimming. During the past three years in the Marine Corps, Jacob was stationed for two years in Okinawa, Japan, and had spent time in Thailand and the Philippines. Jacob grew up playing sports - football, baseball, basketball and golf. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player and always told his mother where to sit at his games so he could see her. Jacob loved Mississippi State football and playing golf; he and “Dave-O” shared many happy times over their Ole’Miss /State rivalry, attending games and playing golf together. Jacob became a Christian at the age of five, and he was a member of Central Pentecostal Church. He had begun preaching before joining the Marine Corps, and planned to dedicate his life to God and continue his ministry at the end of his enlistment. Jacob’s goal in life was to touch others and make a difference, and one of his dreams had been to attend Mississippi State University. His family has set-up a scholarship fund in Jacob’s memory, to make it possible for a student to attend Mississippi State University. In-lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Jacob Wooley Scholarship Fund, in care of the John Stallworth Foundation, 200 Pratt Avenue, Suite B-2, Huntsville, Alabama 35801. Donations can also be made on line at www.johnstallworth.com or at Magnolia Funeral Home, Highway 72, Corinth, MS. Visitation will be held at Magnolia Funeral Home from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. Visitation will continue on Monday, April 1, at Church of the Crossroads from 11:00 – 1:00, followed by the funeral at 1:00 at the church. Interment will take place at Valley of the Dogwood Cemetery in Corinth. The Patriot Guard, VFW Color Guard and US Marine Corps will assist the family during the visitation and service. Bro. Austin Malone and Bro. Donald McCoy will officiate the service. Jacob’s motto in life was adapted by Bear Grylls from a Hunter S. Thompson quote: Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, covered in scars, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘‘yahoo – what a ride”! Magnolia Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.