Jess C. Willard Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel, 6000 High Point Rd., in Greensboro. Burial will follow at Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery, with Military Honors and Masonic Rites.

Jess was born in Randolph County, November 30, 1926, to the late William O. “Bill” Willard, Sr. and Emma Snider Willard. He retired as a Signal Maintainer from Southern Railroad. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as an Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class in the United States Navy and was a 3rd degree Mason. He loved fishing, gardening, traveling, tinkering with lawn mowers, playing poker, and spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, Mr. Willard was preceded in death by his wife of almost 44 years, Helen Smith Willard, his 5 siblings, and a granddaughter, Jessica Lea Weaver.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving and dedicated girlfriend of 15 years, Margaret Boone and her family; his children, Jess C. “Butch” Willard, Jr. and wife Pam of Morrisville, Treva Willard Weaver of Apex, Sue Ellen Willard of Cary, and Roger Willard of Apex; grandchildren, Russell Willard and wife Beth of Morrisville, Wendy Willard Hanks of Holly Springs, Woody Elvin “Trey” Weaver, III, of Leicester, NC, Jess C. “Jay” Willard, III, of Morrisville, Cady Willard of Raleigh, and Caleb Willard of Garner; his great-grandsons, Matthew and Nicholas Willard and Austin and Andrew Hanks; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service from 12 until 1 pm, Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at the Funeral Home. The family will also receive friends at the home of Treva Weaver 1608 Salem Church Rd., Apex, NC 27523, following the committal service.

Flowers are welcomed or memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Home for Children at 1041 Washington St., Raleigh, NC 27605, or the charity of one’s choice.