Willard, George E.

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George E. Willard, 85, of Blacksburg, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. He was born in Roanoke, to the late John E. and Carrie Adams Willard. He was also preceded in death by a son, John Arthur “Artie” Willard, two sisters and eight brothers.

He was a veteran of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He managed the downtown Blacksburg Kroger until 1967 at which time he founded and operated the Hokie House restaurant. He was also, the independent distributor of the Washington Post newspaper from 1977-2002. He was a member of Blacksburg Baptist Church, Masonic Hunter Lodge #156, and Hacking Hokies Golf team.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Nettie Mae (West) Willard; children George Alan and Julie Ann Willard; grandson, Jordan Willard and wife, Kristin; granddaughter, Georgene Mae Willard; and great-grandsons, Carter and Caleb Willard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry, P.O. Box 11382, Blacksburg, VA 24062.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2015 at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, SW, Blacksburg. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, December 18, 2015 at Blacksburg Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the entire staff of the PCU and CCU units at Carilion New River Valley, Radford.