Lafon, Willard Lee

Willard Lee Lafon was called home to his Lord and Savior on June 26, 2015. He was born on July 11, 1944 to the late Mason and Mary Kate Lafon of Blacksburg, VA.

Will is survived by his loving and devoted significant other, Cathy Love. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne (Betty) Lafon; sister, Mary (Joe) Sutphin; and brother Tommy (Jean) Lafon. Surviving nieces include Kari (Scott) Rauhauser, Katrina (Brian) Carner, Lavon (Chris) McKay; and Dawn (Tony) Espelage. Surviving nephews include Brian (Amie) Lafon, Phillip Lafon, Patrick Lafon; Clay Lafon and Chad (Susan) Lafon. Surviving great nieces and great nephews are as follows: Katelyn Lafon, Abigail Lafon, Caleb Brown; Morgan Hoenig; Avery Lafon, Sidney Lafon; Tela Espelage and Desire’ Moses. Also left to cherish his memory are his aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Will graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1962 where he was an outstanding football player. He then joined the Marines. He served his country in Viet Nam, earned the rank of Sergeant, and was honorably discharged after four years of service to his country. He then continued his education at Virginia Western Community College, attaining a Civil Engineering degree. He worked for several large contractors in Northern Virginia as a foreman and superintendent.

Throughout his life, Will was an avid reader and worker of crossword puzzles. He enjoyed hunting in his earlier years and was always a good marksman. He learned to play guitar at an early age and was a natural musician and singer. He enjoyed the companionship of several special dogs throughout his lifetime, especially his bloodhound, Amber.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2015, at the McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg, VA. Funeral services will follow directly after in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor David Ansley officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg.

Special thanks to Pam Laprad, P.A. and staff at the Virginia Veterans Care Center. The family is also forever grateful to all those who looked after Will during his time of need, especially Peggy Myers, Angie Elliot, Dana Caldwell, and Sandy Pilotte. Thanks also to Jan & Rader Vaden, Mike Lafon, Arnold & Donna Lafon, Charlotte & Bob Holland, Jimmy & Brenda Lafon, and others for looking in on Will and for your many visits.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blacksburg First Church of God, 110 East Roanoke St., Blacksburg, VA 24060.