Mr. James Calvin Willard, Sr

Mr. James Calvin Willard, Sr., age 86 of Meadows of Dan went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County. He had been a resident of Blue Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Martinsville for several months. He was born in Spray, North Carolina on August 24, 1923. Mr. Willard was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Turman Willard; his parents, Charlie Willard and Pearl Alderman Willard Massey Burnette; a brother, Reed Willard, and his beloved pet dog, Boggie. Mr. Willard served in the United States Army during World War II, and had been a prisoner of war. He was of the Baptist faith, lived most of his life in Meadows of Dan, and enjoyed the outdoors and gardening. He was employed by the National Park Service for 33 years, and retired as caretaker of Smart View Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mr. Willard is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Barbara and Jerry Wilson of Martinsville and Shirley Willard of the home; two sons, J.C. Willard, Jr. and wife Debbie and Ricky Willard, all of Meadows of Dan; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Olene Nester and Iola Hubbard; two brothers, Eugene Massey and David Massey; three sisters-in-law, Mildred Goode, Irene Reed and Ardith Jackson; and one brother-in-law, Clyde Turman.
Funeral services for Mr. Willard will be held Friday, November 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastor J. C. Willard, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Reed Island Springs Church Cemetery with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.