Joe Mack Woolfolk was born Sept. 7, 1944 in Graham to M. L. and Reba Jo Woolfolk and died peacefully at his Frisco home on Tuesday, June 25, 2019.

After graduating from Graham High School in 1963, and attending college, Joe married Judy Watson in June 1965.

In 1967, Joe and Judy began managing the Jacksboro Dairy Queen and were able to purchase it. In 1973, Joe and Judy bought Norma’s Dress Shop and added greeting cards, a cosmetic studio, and a full floral shop in one location; and a second Merle Norman studio in Graham. Joe also purchased three downtown buildings and refurbished them. In 1977, Joe and Judy sold everything in Jacksboro to start a new business in the DFW metroplex. They contracted to open the first Connie Shoe Store in Texas, located in Richardson Square Mall, and the third in the nation.

After the couple welcomed the arrival of their adopted infant son, Jason in July 1977, the family moved to Richardson to open the new store and opened an additional 10 shoe stores in Texas and Louisiana. But, due to the economic recession in Texas in 1986, all stores were sold.

In 1988, Joe opened Centrum Travel in Dallas. In 1989 he had his first heart attack, followed by a second in 1990. In 1994 Joe opened a second travel office, but his health had deteriorated and his doctors recommended retirement. Joe sold his business and devoted himself to golf and fishing but became a certified golf instructor and licensed massage therapist in 1997.

By 2006, Joe’s heart was very weak, and death was imminent. Joe learned of a radical treatment using adult stem cells in Bangkok, Thailand. After research, Joe and Judy went to Bangkok. A pint of Joe’s blood was drawn and flown to Israel to grow stem cells. On December 13, his chest was opened, and the stem cells were injected in 30 areas of his heart. The procedure was a success and by February 2007 Joe and Jason were able to fish in Mexico. For 11 years Joe enjoyed good health but in 2017, Joe’s heart began to fail, and he was placed on the UTSW transplant recipient list. On Aug. 28, 2018 Joe received a new heart. Unfortunately, a complication during surgery resulted in anoxic brain damage. Joe worked hard to regain his health, but on Jan. 26, he fell, breaking his arm. His health continued to deteriorate, and he was finally placed in hospice on May 18.

Joe is survived by his wife, Judy; a son and daughter-in-law Jason and Brandy Woolfolk , Los Angeles, Calif.; sister Beverly Walker, Abilene; sister-in-law Phyllis Casteel, Graham; nephew Scott Osburne and children Kathy and Malcolm, Portland, Wash.; niece Gaye and Jeff Davis and children Lori and Nolan, Albany; nephew and niece Damon and Niki Casteel, Graham; and numerous cousins.

There will be celebrations of Joe’s life soon in locations in Anna and Graham.

The family wishes to thank the UTSW transplant team and staff, especially Dr. Jennifer Thibodeau; the doctors, nurses, and staff at William Clements University Hospital, Zale Lipshy Rehabilitation Hospital, Presbyterian North Rehabilitation facility, and Faith Presbyterian Hospice. You all made these last months bearable.