WOOTEN, HERMAN E.

Herman Elbert Wooten, 83, of Winston-Salem died unexpectedly Thursday, January 26, 2006. Mr. Wooten was born December 19, 1922, to Grover C. and Flora Stewart Wooten, who both preceded him in death.

Mr. Wooten was affectionately known as “Sleepy.” He was currently employed as a security guard for Lankford Protective Services and provided security at the Forsyth County Hall of Justice. He served as a corporal and machine gunner in the Marine Corps during World War II, where he served as a Marine Corps Raider assigned to the Sixth Marine Division. He served in the Pacific Theater of operations where he fought at Guam, Bougainville, Okinawa, Ryukyu and Mariana Islands. He was wounded in action and received the Marine Corps Purple Heart but still participated in the final occupation of Japan.

Mr. Wooten co-owned and participated in several restaurant equipment-supply companies in the area and was instrumental in the beginnings of several fine-dining establishments in the Triad area. For several years, Mr. Wooten served as manager of Parkway Bowling Lanes in Winston-Salem. He was an avid bowler and bowled in several semiprofessional leagues. He served as an assistant coach for the Southwest Forsyth Little League and as a Cub Scout Leader at Trinity United Methodist Church. He was currently a member of Friendship Baptist Church of Pfafftown.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 58 years, Juanita Zenobia Bell Wooten; a son, Herman E. “Woody” Wooten Jr.; three brothers, Thomas Eugene Wooten, James Hershel Wooten and Grover Cleveland “G.C.” Wooten; and two sisters, Geneva Wooten Hicks and Glenola Wooten Huff.

Mr. Wooten is survived by a son, Timothy L. Wooten and wife Jane of Winston-Salem; a daughter, Pamela S. Wooten of Winston-Salem; and three sisters, Cynthia Wooten Winfrey of Lewisville, Osie Wooten Jennings (Roy) of Winston-Salem and Doris May Wooten Tedder of Yadkinville; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m. today, Jan. 29, at Vogler & Sons Clemmons Chapel, with the Rev. Zack King and the Rev. John Winfrey officiating. Burial will follow at Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons. Memorials may be made to the Brian Center, 4911 Brian Center Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. (Vogler & Sons Clemmons)