John D. Williard, Jr

Mr. John D. “J.D." Williard, Jr., 73, of Mount Airy, passed away Monday morning, January 26, 2015, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Mr. Williard was born May 1, 1941, in Surry County, one of three children born to the late John D. Williard, Sr. and Ruth Etta Hill Williard. J.D. was a loyal fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and all sports, especially basketball, and had a love of the study of history. J.D. was a graduate of Pilot Mountain High School, class of 1959, Lees-McRae Junior College, and East Tennessee State University, where he majored in social studies. He began his teaching career at White Plains Elementary School and later at J. Sam Gentry Middle School as a social studies teacher when it opened in 1976. He retired from teaching after 30 years of service, loving and being loved by hundreds of school children. Not only did J.D. enjoy teaching his students, but he deeply cared for them and their futures. In retirement, he loved working on his family farm, where he was born and reared, and it was dear to his heart. Mr. Williard was a member of Hills Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Frances Nadine Bolick Williard of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Jana Williard of Mount Airy; two grandchildren, Zachary and Lauren; three stepgrandchildren, Abigail, Chasen, and Michael; a sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Royce Sisk of King; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ben and Frances Bolick of Mount Airy, Cleo and Hugh Cook and Christine Harmon, all of Boone, and Mildred Templeton Bolick of Charlotte; a niece, Renea Reed of Boone; several other special nieces and nephews; his special friend and canine companion, Budrow; and his extended family, the retirees from J. Sam Gentry Middle School. In addition to his parents, Mr. Williard was preceded in death by a son, Michael Jackson Williard; and a brother, Cody Lee Williard. The funeral service will be held Thursday, January 29, 2015, at 4:00 PM at Hills Presbyterian Church, 266 Hills Presbyterian Church Road, Pilot Mountain, with the Rev. Mandy Santolla and Frankie Andrews officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 3:00 until 4:00 PM at Hills Presbyterian Church. There will not be a formal visitation at the funeral home; however, his body will lie-in-state Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning for his family and friends to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hills Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1720, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041; or a charity of the donor's choice. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.

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