REV. WILLARD HARDISON
Oct. 8, 1932-Sept. 13, 2017
Rev. Willard Hardison, 84, left this world to be with Jesus Wednesday morning.
Willard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and pastor whose love for life and others was apparent to all who met him.
Willard was born in Duplin County Oct. 8, 1932, to the late Perry and Lizzie Baker Hardison.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Willard's service was recognized with numerous decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal.
At an early age, Willard answered the call to become a pastor with the Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, and faithfully served that conference for more than 50 years.
During that time, he also served as the assistant general director of Christian education for the Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Conference.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at The Bridge, Princeton Campus, followed by a service to worship God and to reflect upon Willard's life and its goodness at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary. Interment will be Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, at noon in Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.
Willard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Edwards Hardison; sons, the Rev. Ferrell Hardison and wife, Millie, of Goldsboro, Chuck Hardison and wife,
Deborah, of Pine Level and Hal Hardison and wife, Sharon, of Clayton; grandchildren, Brandon Hardison and wife, Amy, Zach Hardison, Spencer Hardison and Caroline Hardison; and his sister, Linda Lanier and husband, Baris, of Beulaville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Mitch Hardison, and brother, Walter Hardison.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heritage Bible College, P.O. Box 1628, Dunn, N.C., 28335, or The Bridge, 188 Whitley Church Road, Princeton, N.C., 27569.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on September 14, 2017 8:05 AM