Walter Lee Willard

Walter Lee Willard, age 94 ½ of Moneta, VA passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2010 surrounded by family. Walter was born in 1916 in Franklin County, VA. He raised his family through farming and carpentry. Both of these trades were hard work, which he enjoyed. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Willard. Walter and Virginia shared a loving marriage of 64 years. Early in life Walter was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Dillon Willard; brother, Willie; sisters, Pearl Willard Bernard and Viola Willard Stanley Davis. Also, preceding him in death was his father, Rufus Willard; his step-mother, Verta Bernard Willard; and sisters, Arnie West and Dora Holland. Walter’s legacy continues on through the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Celebrating his precious life are children, Calvin Willard (Eula),
Ron Willard (Kris), Betty Willard Robinson (Leo), Carolyn Willard Shires (Bill), and previous daughter-in-law, Brenda Cox Willard. Treasuring his memory and the life lessons they learned from their “Papa” are grandchildren, Dwayne Robinson (Jodie), Ron Willard II (Sara), Kimberly Willard Waters (Parker Jr.), Walter Lee Willard II (Megan), and Heather Wilson. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren, Lindsay, Ron III and Marley Willard, Parker Waters III, and Johnathan and Nicholas Robinson. His bright eyes, smiles, singing, and yodeling will be missed by all. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Left the cherish memories are a brother and four sisters, Jacob Willard (Fennie, deceased), Zelda Willard Robertson (Lynwood, deceased), Elsie Willard Powell (Ira), Doris Willard Smith (Richard), and Eddie Willard Smith (Jimmy). Walter was a strong Christian, always making his family, friends, and community his first priority. He was left a legacy of common sense his family can hold onto for generations to come. Funeral services will be conducted from Mt. Ivy Christian Church, 5120 Scruggs Road, Moneta, Va. 24121 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, 2010 with Minister Steve Pasley officiating. Interment will follow in the Dillon, McGuire, Willard Family Cemetery. The family would like to thank Beth and Fleming Collins, Dr. Kenneth Thelan and Staff with Carilion Clinic and Hospice of Franklin County for their unforgettable help, kindness, and service. Memorial donations may be made to Carilion Clinic Hospice- Franklin County (180 Floyd Ave., Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151) and Mt. Ivy Christian Church (5120 Scruggs Road, Moneta, Virginia 24121). His family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount.