Howard Leslie Willard
July 17, 1946 - December 25, 2014
Howard Leslie Willard of Bristol, Virginia passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014. He was born on July 17, 1946 in New York. In addition to his parents, Emma and Roy Willard, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Hollenbeck; a brother, Jake Willard; a daughter, Betty McCracken; a son, Robert Sullivan; and a grandson, Matthew Abelseth. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war and a recipient of the Purple Heart for heroism. He was a former employee of Valleydale, Bristol Steel and Tri-Tube. Howard is survived by his wife, Reaba Willard; four daughters, Bonnie Lane and husband Danny, Ann Canter and husband Lee, Angie Holt and husband Randall, and Leslie Posey and husband Nathan; sister, Donna Mills; brother, Walter Willard and wife Nancy; brother-in-law, Jack Hollenbeck; 15 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Blevins Funeral & Cremation Service, 417 Lee St., Bristol, VA. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Glenwood Cemetery with Reverend Mark Baumgardner officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, 210 Franklin Way SW, RM 808, Roanoke, VA 24011-2209 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.
Howard Leslie Willard of Bristol, Virginia passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014. He was born on July 17, 1946 in New York. In addition to his parents, Emma and Roy Willard, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Hollenbeck; a brother,... View Obituary & Service Information