Thomas "John" Lenzie Williard

Oak Ridge - Mr. Thomas “John” Lenzie Williard, 93, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025. He was born on July 31, 1931, in Oak Ridge, NC to Lucian Williard and Viola Jones. He lived his whole life on a farm with his siblings in the Oak Ridge area under the watchful eye and love of their grandparents, Johnny Nelson Williard and Bertha Smith Williard. John was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church. He enjoyed all sports but was an avid Duke basketball and Atlanta Braves fan. He was a little league baseball coach as well. John also enjoyed fishing, but only when his son wanted to fish. He was also an avid quail and raccoon hunter. John retired from Newman Machine Company after 40 plus years of service. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed. 

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his step mother, Mintoria Williard; three brothers, Bill Williard, J.W. Williard, and Paul Williard; and three sisters, Marie Morris, Janie Lee, and Bertha Carlyle.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jo Ann East Williard; his son, Dale Williard; grandson, Joshua Williard; great grandson, Landon Williard; sister-in-law, Jackie Williard; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers, Rosie, Francine, and Sylvia who became a part of their family. 

A funeral service for John will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel with Pastor Roy Carter and Pastor David Miller officiating. Burial will follow the service at Gardens of Memory in Walkertown. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation at 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126, to Central Baptist Church at PO Box 533, Oak Ridge, NC 27310, or to Medi Home Health & Hospice at 1007 Lexington Ave, Thomasville, NC 27360.