Rita Gail Carson Willard

Mrs. Rita Gail Carson Willard, age 65, of Mount Airy, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Novant Rehabilitation Hospital in Winston-Salem. Mrs. Willard was born in Forsyth County on August 1, 1960, to the late Romney Carson and Mable George Carson. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sibling, and friend, who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She had a heart of gold, never met a stranger, and loved by the many that knew her. Mrs. Willards’ most prized possession was being able to stay at home and tend to her grandbabies. She also was well known at the many restaurants within Mount Airy, where everyone knew her by her name. Left to cherish her memories are her loving husband, Carl “Wayne” Willard; daughter and son-in-law, Misty Bledsoe and Kevin; son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas “Nick” Corey Willard and Sheena; grandchildren, Jaiden Bledsoe, Korbin Bledsoe, Sophie Willard, Saylor Willard, Braxton Willard; sisters, Betty Hutson, Kay Chamblin and Ronnie, Annette Carson; several nieces and nephews and many cousins. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Willard was preceded in death by her brothers, Don Carson, Jimmy Carson. Funeral services to honor Mrs. Willards’ life will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy with the Pastor Ron Chamblin Jr., Pastor Ronnie Chamblin and Brother Jeff Hutson officiating. Burial will follow at the Surry Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 2, 2026, at Moody Funeral Home from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to the Veterans Memorial Park 691 W. Lebanon Street, Mt. Airy, North Carolina 27030. Moodys of Mount airy is respectfully serving the Willard family.