Ernest “EC” Willett

DURHAM- Ernest “EC” Willett, 92, of Durham passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2015. He was the son of the late Prince Albert Willett and Sophronia Bruton Pickler Willett. Mr. Willett proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy SeaBees in WWII in Guam. He was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and was an active member of the Christian community. By trade, he was a building contractor for many years, but the love of his life was agriculture. Mr. Willett was a Charter Member of Redwood Ruritan Club and an active board member for over 50 years for Durham County Farm Bureau. He was a Shriner and a member of Masonic Lodge 352. Mr. Willett was preceded in death by 5 brothers, 2 sisters, 1 granddaughter and 4 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Ruth Williams Willett; daughters, Linda W. Haith (Donald), Sandra W. Layton (Talmage), JoAnn W. Harris (Wayne), Wanda W. Hawley (Douglas); sister, Mary Ellen Godwin; grandchildren, Kimberly Stewart (Jason), Kecia Beeker (Wayne), Karen Santee (Joe), Tracy Garrett (Ronnie), Tammy Thaggard (Mike), Joshua Harris (Kimberly), Lauren Ham (Michael), Zachary Harris, Jeffrey Hawley (Erica), Logan Hawley (Julie); 27 great-grandchildren and numerous other loving family members and friends.

The funeral service will be Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Hudson Funeral Chapel. Rev. Joe Santee (grandson-in-law) will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home. Flowers are acceptable or donations may be made to Redwood Ruritan Club c/o Mary Ann Keith, 2810 Shaw Rd., Durham, NC 27704. Online condolences can be made at www.hudsonfuneralhome.com.