John Henry Willard

John Henry Willard, Sr. September 2, 1922 - November 14, 2013 BOONVILLE - Mr. John Henry Willard, Sr., age 91, of Boonville passed away November 14 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. He was born September 2, 1922 to Joseph Gorrell and Viola Speer Willard. Mr. Willard was an Elder at Mt. Nebo Church of Christ for 55 years and also preached for many years. He was a veteran of the US Army and served in World War II. He was retired from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. He enjoyed singing gospel songs, fishing and chewing his tobacco. He was a devoted Christian, husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents, Mr. Willard was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Jettie Rae Davis Willard; a son, John Henry Willard, Jr.; a brother, James (Elizabeth) Willard; two sisters Mary (Richard) Snow and Jessie (Buck) Matthews. He is survived by a daughter, Carolyn (Greg) Cox of Wilkesboro; three sons, Allen (Linda) Willard of Boonville, Thomas (Faye) Willard of Yadkinville and Mickey (Christine) Willard of Yadkinville; eleven grandchildren, Tonya (Aaron) Livengood, Tammy (Terry) Chipman, Tina (Jerry) Wishon, Dr. Brian (Heidi) Willard, Bradley (Andrea) Willard, Heath (Wendy) Willard, Hadley Willard, Kimberly (Terry) Brown, Willie Gregory, Monica (Brian) Groce and Jason Willard; 15 great grandchildren; two sisters, Marie Cheek and Nellie Vestal. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, November 16 at Gentry Family Funeral Home in Yadkinville. His funeral service will be conducted on Sunday, November 17, at 3:00 PM in the Funeral Home Chapel; with Brother Allen Caudle and Brother Steve Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Nebo Church of Christ cemetery with full military honors by Yadkin VFW Post 10346. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mtn. Valley Hospice, PO Box 1267, Yadkinville, NC 27055. The family wishes to thank the Woltz Hospice Home staff for the love and care given to Mr. Willard during this difficult time. Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.