Thomas Lafayette Woolfolk              February 19, 2023

Thomas Lafayette “Tom” Woolfolk, 97 of Orange, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2023, with the love of his family surrounding him. Born November 4, 1925 in Spotsylvania County, he was the son of the late Thomas Henry Woolfolk and Ella Elizabeth (Graves) Woolfolk. He was also preceded in death by brothers John Harris Woolfolk and Carl Henry Woolfolk.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Tom will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Joan Elizabeth (Parke) Woolfolk; son, Thomas M. Woolfolk and wife Flo of Gordonsville; son, William “Bill” Woolfolk and wife Deborah of Charlottesville; daughter, Mary Beth Woolfolk and husband Jim Thomas of Richmond; son, Jerome “Jerry” Woolfolk of Orange; 6 grandchildren, Betsy Davis (Ben), Thomas S. Woolfolk (Taegiku), Jenna Harris (Brandon), Katelyn Woolfolk, Eoghain Thomas, Julia Thomas; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Holley-Goodwin; and numerous other nephews, nieces, family members and friends.

Tom was a decorated US Air Force veteran. A life-long educator, as a teacher and principal, he passed along much wisdom through the years, known for his stories and life lessons and receiving ongoing gratitude from students whose lives he touched. Tom was also a long-time member of Orange Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He had a strong faith, lived a full life, and leaves a lasting legacy of love as a husband, father, friend, and mentor.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Preddy Funeral Home, 250 West Main St. Orange, VA 22960.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Orange Baptist Church,123 West Main St., Orange, VA 22960, with Rev. Alan Miller officiating.

Interment will follow at Graham Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Orange Baptist Church Pavilion Fund, PO Box 167 Orange, VA 22960.

An online guestbook is available at www.preddyfuneralhomes.com

Preddy Funeral Home of Orange, VA is handling the arrangements. .