Woolwine, Luther Gilbert

Luther Gilbert Woolwine, age 78, of Christiansburg, went to his eternal home on March 20, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Christiansburg, Va., on April 1, 1945, to the late Rev. Charlie Noah Woolwine and Kathleen Vest Woolwine.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald Ray Woolwine, David Michael Woolwine, and Joseph Leroy Woolwine; sister-in-law, Patricia Wells Woolwine; and brother-in-law, Paul Edward Hollandsworth.

Luther was employed by the Radford Army Ammunition Plant (Arsenal) for 38 years. Luther worked tirelessly for his fellow employees to improve working conditions. Those who worked with him showed their respect by allowing Luther to represent them. He served as a union steward on the shop floor in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. In the mid 70’s Luther decided to take on additional leadership responsibilities. For 12 consecutive 2 year terms, Luther was elected by his fellow workers as a Committeeman (6 terms), Vice President (3 terms), and eventually served 3 terms as their president. Luther retired from the Arsenal in 2004 but was still active in helping fellow retirees and former Arsenal workers with the benefits to which they worked and was entitled until the onset of his illness.

Luther is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Blondene Hollandsworth Woolwine. Luther is also survived by his daughter, Marie Rorrer (Mike); son Eddie Woolwine (Suzanne); grandchildren, Ashley Apjok (Scott), Kelsey Woolwine, McKinley Rorrer, Ryan Woolwine (Nicole); great-grandchildren, Maggie and Lucas Apjok; sisters-in-law, Shirley Woolwine, Bonnie Woolwine, Maxine Woolwine, Bonnie Smith (Lewis), Sandra Altizer (Fred), and Linda Hollandsworth; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Funeral Services will be conducted, on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 2:00 PM, at the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Pastor Shake Smith and Rev. Sebert Rorrer officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends at McCoy Funeral Home, on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 6-8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to thank Dr. Mock and the BRCC Staff, Dawn Fouse, and Good Samaritan Hospice for their care and compassion.