Calvin Walter Willard

Calvin Walter Willard of Moneta, VA, passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, surrounded by family. Calvin was born July 30, 1938, in Franklin County, VA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eula Nance Willard, with whom he shared over 40 wonderful years; his mother and father, Virginia Robertson Willard and Walter L. Willard; and one stepgrandson, John M. Bower. Calvin was a strong Christian, making his family, friends and community his first priority. His common sense made him a scholar in his world, including to his family and friends. Calvin provided for his family by farming, the carpentry trade, and as a very familiar name in the auctioneer business throughout Southwest Virginia, all with pride and a smile. No one worked harder with three simultaneous careers. After a hard day’s work, you could find Calvin at the local country music dances on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights; he had a gifted voice singing gospel songs. Calvin’s legacy continues through his family and friends. Calvin’s friendliness was contagious, capturing many friends, and he was always helping others. This earned him what he called “wealth” and he should be judged very wealthy, according to the many family and friends he helped. Calvin is survived by his sisters, Betty Willard Robinson (Leo) and Carolyn Willard Shires (Bill), his brother, Ronald L. Willard (Kris), stepdaughter Manville Nance Bower, nieces Kimberly Willard Waters (Parker), Heather Wilson Montgomery (Brandon), nephews Dwayne Robinson (Jodie), Ronald L. Willard II (Sara), Walter L. Willard II (Megan), William A. Shires, Jim Sturgill III (Amy), stepgranddaughter Anne Travis (Chris), stepgrandson Paul D. Bower (Sarah), and several aunts and uncles on both sides of his family. He was also blessed with several great nieces and nephews, plus several step great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at Flora Funeral Services at 665 S. Main Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, on Saturday, November 17, at 11 a.m., with Minister Steve Pasley officiating. Visitation will be Friday, November 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. Interment in the Dillon, McGuire, Willard Memorial Gardens will follow the service. The family would like to thank Pam Turpin, administrator of Runk & Pratt Memory Care in Lynchburg, VA, and her fabulous staff, as well as the wonderful staff from Seven Hills Hospice in Lynchburg, VA. Memorial donations may be made to Mount Ivy Christian Church Building Fund, 5120 Scruggs Rd., Moneta, VA, 24121, and Seven Hills Hospice at 2250 Murrell Rd. #2, Lynchburg, VA, 24501. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.