Obituary of Willard A. Winn, Jr.

Willard A. Winn, Jr., passed away peacefully on December 11, 2021.  Willard was born in Weleetka, Oklahoma on March 1, 1947, to the late Willard A Winn, Sr., and Geneva Winn. When he was about five years old, his family moved him and his little sister, Gloria to San Jose, California.

His dad was a trucker, and Willard learned early in life how to work hard by helping his dad with truck repairs, keeping the yard mowed and other chores he was assigned.  Growing up, he was always a “feisty” boy, and made many trips to the principal’s office. He attended Overfelt High School in San Jose and was involved in many activities, including the wrestling team and football.

While in high school, he met his soon-to-be wife, Mary Terribilini. They were married on April 23, 1967. Willard and Mary were blessed with two children; George and Kimberly.

Willard served in the Army as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson, training soldiers for Vietnam. After the Army, he moved his family back to California to join his dad in the trucking business. After many years in the trucking business, he retired at age 65. Over the years, he enjoyed coaching the kids in baseball and played baseball himself. He also enjoyed bowling, golf and fishing with his son and his best friend, Randy. Willard also enjoyed coin collecting and knives.  Many of you will remember his “death grip”, his history lessons and competitiveness. Willard was famous for his cooking, especially his hot salsa. He was proud of his partial Cherokee heritage.

Willard is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary; his daughter, Kimberly, and her daughter Abigail. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Angela and their son Zachary; his sister, Gloria Lockard (Jeff), and three nephews, Chris, Scott and Tim. In addition to his parents, Willard was predeceased by his son, George Winn.

A Celebration of Life service for Willard A Winn, Jr., and his late son, George Winn, will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 8th, 2022, at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church, 101 East Boundary Street, Chapin, SC.