William Bradford Weaver

William “Willie” Bradford Weaver, 90, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory after a brief illness. He was born on September 21, 1927 to the late George David Weaver Sr. and Mary Caroline Speagle Weaver in Catawba County. Willie retired from Hickory Chair as a machine operator and was also co-owner and operator of Central Exxon for many years. After retiring he worked part time for Winne-Dixie and drove cars for Enterprise. He was a member of Sardis Lutheran Church in Hickory. Willie was also a United States Navy Veteran. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by an infant great granddaughter, Charlotte Rose Sweet; two sisters, Ruth Wilson and husband Bob, Florence Fulbright and husband Ralph; and two brothers, George Weaver Jr. and wife Catherine and Howard Weaver and wife Betty Jean. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 65 years, Kathleen Yoder Weaver of the home; daughters, Beth Hefner and husband Carson of Hickory, Lori Sweet and husband Teddy of Conover; son, Ronnie Weaver of Hickory; granddaughters, Stacy Kijesky and husband Rean of Maiden, Hallie Barnett and husband Andrew of Troutman; grandsons, Jamie Sweet and wife Ashley of Easley, SC, Derrick Sweet and wife Kelly of Newton; great granddaughters, Katelyn Sweet in the U.S. Navy stationed in San Diego, California, Parker Sweet of Newton, Grace Sweet of Easley, SC; great grandsons, Austin Sweet of Easley, SC, Luke Kijesky of Maiden; great grandchild, Baby Kijesky of Maiden. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Sardis Lutheran Church. Mr. Weaver will lie in state from 2:30 until 3:00 p.m. at the church. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Adrienne Martin will be officiating the service. Burial will follow at Sardis Lutheran Church Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by The American Legion Post 48. Pallbearers for the service will include his nephews; Robert Wilson, David Fulbright, Gene Wilson, Ray Fulbright, Kenny Weaver, Terry Weaver, and Ricky Weaver. Memorials may be made to Sardis Lutheran Church, 6103 NC Hwy 10 West, Hickory, NC 28602.