Tom Woolf, Jr. was born to Tom and Pearl Woolf on January 1, 1933 in Sanger, Texas. At the age of 3 Tom took his place on top of an old butter churn in the back of his dad's truck as he and his family made their way to California. By the age of 8, he, his mom and dad, his three sisters, Velma Lee, Zelma and Thelma, and brother, Sam made a home in Wasco, CA where he attended school, got his first car, and found the love of his life, Rita May Nixon. At 19, Tom entered the United States Air Force and set off for Texas, but not without Rita. On August 23, 1952, he and Rita were married in Texas. Together they had three children: Sheryl, Pattie, and Tommy. After proudly serving his country, Tom began a career as an DC electrician for Lockheed Martin working on classified aircraft and later went to work for Belridge Oil company where he lived, raised his family, and worked until he retired in 1991, just after he moved himself and Rita to Bakersfield. Tom loved to fish and camp anywhere from Quartzsite, Arizona in the winter to Mammoth Lakes in the summer. Retirement served him well and provided the opportunity for he and Rita to travel and collect many fish-tales over the years. Our giant teddy bear was kind, loving, and proud of all that life offered him; especially his family. He was our diamond in the rough. Tom, affectionally known as "Pa" by his family, is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rita; his oldest daughter, Sheryl Ringgenberg, her husband Keith, their 2 children, and 5 grandchildren; his youngest daughter, Pattie Merritt, her husband Randy, their two children and 3.5 grandchildren; and, their youngest son, Tommy, his wife Kim, and their two children all of whom think the sun rose and set in his ornery giggle, beautiful baby-blue eyes, his big "thumbs up", and his heart warming smile. The family would never have made it through these times without the wonderful service from Optimal `Hospice and a little gift that was sent to us, his day time care giver, Susana. Services for Tom will be held on February 12, 2018 at 10:00am at Peters Funeral Home (844 E. Lerdo Hwy) in Shafter, Ca followed by graveside service at 12:30 at Bakersfield National Cemetery (30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin). After graveside services the family welcomes guests to attend a late lunch and celebration of life at the family's home.