William M. Wooten

William M. Wooten, of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away on April 21, 2025, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia. He was 96 years old.

Born in Telfair County, Georgia, on April 12, 1929, William was the son of the late Maggie Wooten and James R. Wooten, Sr. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James R. Wooten, Jr.; sister-in-law, Bonnie Wooten; brothers-in-law, Alvin Pannell, Felton Pannell, and Joe Wyant; and niece, Sheila Wooten English.

William is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Kathryn Pannell Wooten. His devotion to Kathryn was unwavering; he cared for and protected her throughout their life together and remained deeply committed to her well-being up to his final days.

He is also survived by his sister, Lois Wooten Brown; sisters-in-law, Gladys Wyant and Judy Pannell; nieces, Liesl Pannell New, Heather Wyant Heydet, and Lauren Pannell McBride; nephews, Scott Pannell, Stan Pannell, Jason Wyant, and Chris Soto; grand-niece, Amanda English; grand-nephew, Adam English; along with many cousins.

William served his country honorably in the U.S. Army as part of the 24th Division during the Korean War, earning both the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. His military service took him to 26 countries, deepening his perspective and fueling a lifelong love of travel. After returning home, he worked for Lockheed Martin Corporation for 34 years.

A man of many interests and talents, William was an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling to Canada and Arizona to play. He and Kathryn shared a love of travel and spent years exploring the country together—ultimately visiting all 50 U.S. These journeys were among their greatest shared joys and lasting memories.

William was a man of deep faith and community involvement. He was a longtime member of Marietta Methodist Church before transferring his membership to Faith Methodist Church in Cartersville, where he continued to worship and serve. He was also a member of the Cartersville American Legion Post #42, the Cartersville Masonic Lodge #63 for 55 years, and the Bartow County Retired Men’s Group.

Visitation will be held at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in Cartersville, Georgia, on Saturday, April 26, with public visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel, officiated by Reverend Keith Willard. Interment will take place at Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Masonic Children’s Home in Macon, Georgia.