Family opens up about son's death

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - WAVY.com is learning more about the victims killed in a car accident the day after Christmas in Newport News.  Investigators say 17-year-old Jarin Sims lost control of his car on Jefferson Avenue just north of Ft. Eustis.

Sims collided with 53-year-old George "Joey" Woolley III. Both died at the scene.

While Jarin Sims's friends spoke to WAVY.com Saturday about their tragic loss, the Woolley's couldn't bring themselves to talk about their son at that time.  However, on Monday they gathered all the strength they could muster to share the story of his life.

"I'm so thankful I've got so many good memories," says Theresa, Woolley's sister.

Theresa says her brother, Joey, had a rough exterior, but he was the best brother a girl could have.
Theresa is blind, but growing up, Joey always made sure she felt his love.

"There used to be a whole series of books out called the Trixie Beldon mysteries and he read me the series of Trixie Beldon mysteries," says Theresa.

Theresa says Christmas this year was fun.  It was a celebration of family and the center of attention was, of course, Joey.

"My brother was always kind of goofy. Always laughing and making jokes."

However, the morning of the 26th, the laughter stopped when Theresa's phone rang.  On the other end was a Newport News Police officer telling her about a horrible accident.

"I said, 'but are you telling me that my brother is dead? And he said yes ma'am.'"

Once word of Joey's death spread around their Williamsburg community, something unbelievable happened.

"I have truly been surprised and amazed with the phone calls we've received," says Mary Ellen Woolley.

It took one call to shatter the Woolley's world and dozens more to begin mending their hearts.  Call after call from people explaining how Joey changed their lives, from giving them a warm place to stay on a cold night, to a car ride to work.

"One fella especially said, whenever I've been down on my luck, he's always helped me," says Mary Ellen.

The man with a rough exterior had the softest heart you could find.  The Woolleys say God will get them through this tragedy and they hope faith eases the pain of everyone.

"I know that we're not the only family that's hurting right now and I really want the other boy's parents to know that they're in our prayers and our hearts are really going out to them too," says Theresa.

The Woolley's say Joey will be laid to rest Wednesday afternoon.