Alan Lee “Butch” Willard, age 73, of Mannington, WV went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was born March 10, 1946 in Cleveland, OH to the late Norman “Bud” Willard and Lola Heinz Willard.
Butch is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda Willard of Mannington; 4 daughters, Sheri and Bryce Reynolds of Plum Run, Shelly and Rod Kincaid of Hazel Green, AL, Suzanna and Bill Barr of Mannington, and Heather and Tim Fluharty of Mannington; 10 grandchildren, Zach Reynolds and companion Emma Bowman, Matt (Nikki) Reynolds, Danielle (Buddy) Brashears, Mikaela Fluharty, Seth Barr, Logan (Meghan) Kincaid, Lucas Kincaid, Silas Barr, Hunter Fluharty, and Ryelee Fluharty; 3 great-grandchildren, Noah Reynolds, Reese Moretti, and Carson Brashears; one brother, Norman “Gene” Willard of Wright City, MO; two sisters, Patricia Wood and Shirley Dye, both of Fairmont; and several nieces and nephews.
Butch was a shift foreman coal miner for 18 years at Rachel for Eastern Assoc. He later retired from Soles Electric to fulfill a calling to become an ordained minister. He served as Associate Pastor of the Mannington Church of the Nazarene where he felt privileged to minister to his long time church family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, food and sweets, and spending time with his family. He loved to laugh and always had a smile no matter what. He was a life-long fan of the WVU Mountaineers and the Green Bay Packers. His favorite Bible verse is Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. He taught his family many things including to never give up and “where there’s a Willard, there’s a way!”
Family and friends may call at Masters Funeral Home, 209 Main St. in Mannington on Friday, September 20, 2019 from 2-4:00pm and 6-8:00pm and also on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the Nazarene Church in Mannington from 10-11:00am. Funeral services will follow and begin at 11:00am with Pastor Jim Ellis officiating. Burial will follow at the Fluharty Cemetery on Plum Run. Anyone wishing to assist the family with funeral expenses may send memorial contributions to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com as well as the funeral home facebook page.
Condolences
A greate man has left us today
I'm so sorry for your loss. We'll keep the family in our prayers.
John 16:22 - And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
He was one of my favorites at dialysis. I am at the beach or I would be there. Sorry for your loss
Linda and girls my heart and prayers go out to you. So sorry for your loss.
How he persevered! He was so much fun to be around. He had such a warmth about him that few ever have. He was filled with laughter. We always put everyone else first. His example as a dedicated Christian was outstanding. His smile ruled his body -- even when he was suffering so much of the time his face did not reflect that. He is a memory that will always make us think about him and wish we could be more like him. The world would be such a better place if everyone lived as he did! He put God first! His wife, his family, and his friends followed closely! His faith was such a blessing to us all! Love you, Butch, and we'll miss you -- but we look forward to seeing you again in Eternity!
Dearest Linda, I wish I could be with you at this time, but I"m unable to travel that far. Know[ng that Butch is not in pain
any more makes it a little bit easier to handle. I'm not going to say that time will heal the way you feel, because it won't.
I am well aware of your pain. Cry when you want. I do.It helps releave the pain somewhat. please call me when you want
to talk. We must depend on our Lord to help us through this.God be with you and yours.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Marion County Senior Citizens.