Willard David Church, Sr.

Willard David Church, Sr. October 1, 1940 – August 29, 2026

Willard David Church, Sr., born October 1, 1940, in Caldwell County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in Hudson after a long illness. He left this world on the day he and his wife, Glenda, marked 51 years of marriage—a tender closing to the life they built together, side by side. It was on that same day, August 29, 1975, that Willard and Glenda were joined in marriage. Across the decades that followed, they shared the quiet companionship of everyday life, walking together through its rhythms with devotion and care.

Willard was the son of Glenn William Church and Roxie Price Church. He grew up alongside his siblings, Peggy Swink, Annie Braswell, Mary Jane Minton, Clarence Edward Church (deceased November 5, 1995), Ray Church, and Daniel Church. He spent the majority of his life in his hometown, remaining closely connected to the place and people who shaped him.

Willard’s story is carried forward by the generations who survive him, each connected by the threads of family and memory. His family continues on, preserving the history and connections that link each generation to the next.

He was the father of four children and three stepchildren, grandfather to 18 grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren, great-grandfather to 36 great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandfather to one child.

Diane Marie Church, daughter (deceased December 30, 2009)

Grandchildren: Dione Grace Weathermen, Heidi Lynn Schroeder, Jerry Jerome Lee, and Denia Marie Jumper; spouse, Jonathon Jumper II.

Great-grandchildren: Jasiah Echeverri, Diana Marie Wagar, Jade Lee Jumper, and three additional great-grandchildren.

Willard David Church, Jr., son, and daughter-in-law, Mary

Grandchildren: Cedric Lee Church (deceased March 19, 1985), Whitney Shlaine Carter; spouse, Kent Carter, Rebecca Susie Wilbur; spouse, Rick Wilbur, Wade Glenn Church, and Lynn Marie Church.

Great-grandchildren: Aiden Glenn, Carter Jack, Eva Marie Lorraine Wilbur, Dean Vincent Carter, Mia Isabella Shriner, and Achilles James Shriner.

Bobby Lee Church, son, and daughter-in-law, Carol (divorced)

Grandchildren: Brandon Lee Church; spouse, Elsie Church, Charlene Louise Kameroff (deceased November 23, 2022); spouse, Zach Kameroff, Kyle Erin Church; spouse, Jamie Church, Shane Ryan Church, Clarence Edward Church and partner, Nicki Julius, and Angel Denia Church.

Great-grandchildren: Adalynn Church, Caleb White, Rodney Church, Nyla Kameroff, Ryder Kameroff, Railynn Church, Bridgette Church, Colton Church, Aaron Church, Avaston Church, Keziah Beebe, Kyrie Beebe, Ashton Church, Haydon Church, and Orion Julius.

Elizabeth Lynn Church, daughter

Grandchildren: Alexis Marie Williams, Stephen Adolph Jones (deceased May 2, 2019), and Taren Lynn Jones.

Great-grandchildren: Amber Jones, Jawna Benjamin, Audrey Cleveland, David Williams, Logan Williams, Owen Jones, Jamilyn Williams, Samantha Williams, and Allqaq Mark.

Great-grandchild: Malakai Stephan Beaver.

Elizabeth Stout Caldwell, stepdaughter, and son-in-law, David

Victoria Stout Dula, stepdaughter (deceased July 18, 2022)

Eric Richard Stout, Stepson

Step-grandchildren: Jordan Elizabeth Caldwell (deceased September 29, 1991), Joshua Brandon Lance (deceased January 10, 2011), and five additional step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Though Willard spent most of his life in North Carolina, he held a special love for Alaska and cherished his visits to see his children and grandchildren. He found joy in camping, fishing, and being outdoors, finding comfort and peace in the natural world.

Willard requested to be laid to rest in his hometown of Lenoir at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. He also requested to rest near his children in their home state of Alaska. A portion of his remains will also be placed within the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge in Quinhagak, Alaska, by his children.

Mr. Church was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn William Church and Roxie Price Church; his brother, Clarence Edward Church; his daughter, Diane Marie Church; his stepdaughter, Victoria Stout Dula; his granddaughter, Charlene Louise Kameroff; his grandsons, Cedric Lee Church and Stephan Adolph Jones; and his step-grandchildren, Jordan Elizabeth Caldwell and Joshua Brandon Lance.

A visitation service to honor the life of Willard David Church, Sr., will be held on Sunday, September 6, at the Chapel of Evans Funeral Service from 1:00–2:00 PM.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Willard David Church, Sr.