Charles E Wofford's Obituary
Charles E. (Cotton) Wofford passed away on June 17, 2010. He was born on July 8, 1925, in Roland, OK, where he grew up. Following high school, Cotton spent time working in the shipyards in California before moving back to Roland. In 1947, in what many think was the best decision of his life, he married Wanda Heller. They remained happily married for sixty-one years until Wanda’s death in 2008. In 1950, he joined Auto Convoy Company, a trucking firm that transported automobiles. He soon became manager of the Moffett, OK, terminal. In the early 1960s, he moved to Tulsa to become the manager of the company’s Tulsa terminal. In Tulsa, he worked extensively with the Frisco Railway to develop and refine the shipment of automobiles on railcars. In 1967, he started his own business operating automobile distribution facilities in Tulsa, Irving, TX, and Floydada, TX for the Frisco Railway. This pioneering firm was one of the first of its kind in the nation and it developed many of the processes and procedures still in use in the industry. The company eventually operated eleven distribution facilities in eight states. He continued to be active in the business until the 1990s. Throughout his life, Cotton never met a stranger. He loved people and people loved him. He had a positive outlook on life and a keen sense of humor. He was a Thirty-Second Degree Mason and active in the Roland Lion’s Club, serving as chapter president. He had a lifelong enjoyment of fishing, boating, gardening, and travel. Golf, on the other hand, frustrated him throughout his life. He particularly enjoyed his home on Grand Lake, his garden at his Tulsa home, and traveling with Wanda and friends throughout the United States and Canada. Since 1998 he has been goodwill ambassador for Route 66 Harley-Davidson. Cotton was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda. He will be missed every day. Services will be on Monday, June 21st, at 1:00 PM at Guts Church. A reception at Route 66 Harley-Davidson will follow the memorial service. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 20th, from 3 PM to 6 PM at Floral Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.Survived By: his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Pat Wofford of Tulsa; sisters Helen George of Roland, OK and Sue Gardner of Fort Smith, AR; brother Joe Wofford of Roland, OK, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind a large number of dear friends he made wherever he went.
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