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BORN
1943
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Dana Willard Obituary
Dana Oscar Willard, Jr., age 80, of Atlanta, died September 5, 2024, at Emory St. Joseph's Hospital after a brief illness. Dana was the Funeral Director in Full and Continuous Charge for 10 years for Lee's Funeral Home & Crematory in Norcross, Georgia. His family had a casket manufacturing company in Nunda, New York. He grew up his whole life working around caskets and funerals. It was his calling and he helped many people during his time in New York and in Atlanta. His compassion and dedication eased the suffering of many people in their losses. He was adored and beloved by his family and friends. Dana made friends so easily—and his kindness and humor was a true thing of beauty. Dana's passions were family, golf, and the Georgia Bulldogs. He will be missed dearly by all who had the honor and privilege to have known him. Mr. Willard was preceded in death by his father, Dana Oscar Willard Sr.; his mother, Nancy McDowell Willard; and his sister, Suzanne Bardo. Dana is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Dowdy Willard; his daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Peter Kochek; two grandchildren, Wilson and Miles Kochek; his brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Sandy Willard; his sister and brother-in-law, Virginia Ray and Larry Long. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Hughes and Wright Funeral Home at 1010 E. 8th Avenue, Cordele, GA, 31015. The family will receive friends in Cordele on Monday from 2:00 PM until the hour of the service. Interment will follow at Sandy Mount Church Cemetery at 509 Sandy Mount Road, S. Cordele, GA 31015. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, at Lee's Funeral Home & Crematory at 4067 Industrial Park Drive Norcross, GA, 30071.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dana Willard
Sponsored by Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc..
Nancy DeVinney Gebauer
October 19, 2024
Dana (aka Danny) was a special friend known to everyone in Nunda. To know him was to think the world of him. My sister, Patty Anne, & I lived across the street from the school. The boys would come over after games & watch TV. I'm sad to hear of his passing. RIP Danny & condolences to the rest of his family.
Leslie Bottorff
October 13, 2024
Patricia, Virginia Ray and Larry, Carrie and Pete, Pete and Sandy, and the rest of your family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your beloved Dana. He was so kind, fun loving, and lovable, he never met a stranger, he was friend to all. I have so many fond memories of hangin' out with Dana and Pat and the whole family during my time living in Atlanta, so many years ago, but it seems like it was just yesterday. He made an impact on me, and on many other people's lives. May he rest in peace, and may your beautiful memories sustain you during this time of grief. Deepest Sympathies, Leslie
Maryl and Mike Kochek
September 8, 2024
Dana was a loving
husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law . He will leave wonderful memories for all who knew and loved him.
Sarah M
September 8, 2024
Mrs. Pat and Carrie, I am so sorry for your loss. You both were there for Mr. Dana and honored him so well in his final hours. Thank you for trusting us to take care of him. One thing said of him was, "I have never seen anyone face death with such grace and peace." Know you´re being prayed for! Sarah M, RN
Beverly (Smith) VanCamp
September 7, 2024
Condolences from your hometown of Nunda, NY. Danny, You were such fun during our teen years. As a funeral home director here, you were so gracious to us and as an owner of a floral shop business, as well. We've missed you. "Yet we grieve not as others who have no hope." (I Thess. 4:13) Trusting that you are part of the family of God and we will meet again. Keeping your family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. See you later.
Karen Dorough
September 7, 2024
Patricia, I am so sad to hear of Dana's passing. He was such a great guy.
Every time I saw him, every event we attended, he always brought the fun. He truly embodied finding joy in the moment.
I am holding you close and hoping that you find peace.
Dr Anne Baucom
September 7, 2024
I am saddened to learn of Dana´s passing. Although I only met Dana and his family recently, in observing their response to tragedy, the intense love they shared was obvious. Their strength, resiliency and faith were evident in the most difficult of circumstances. May the love they shared and their friends and family carry them through this difficult time. My thoughts will be with them. Sincerely, Dr Anne Baucom
Nicholas White
September 7, 2024
I only met Dana a few times, through his daughter Carrie, but he was a joy to be with and had a great sense of humor. Carrie, to you and all who loved Dana so dearly, my deepest condolences.
Thomas L. Carter
September 6, 2024
So sorry for y´all´s tremendous loss. Dana was a great guy. I worked with Dana and enjoyed playing golf and having a cold beer every now and then when we had time off. Sincerely, Thomas (Tommy) L. Carter
David S. Robinson
September 6, 2024
David S. Robinson
Canisteo, NY
Dana had an innate ability to meet people where they were at. His compassion for others, his empathy, his steadiness, his desire to help others, really shone through. Dana came by these qualities, not just as a funeral director, but as a father, husband, brother, and friend. He brought out the better angels of our nature. Rest in Peace Dana. God Bless your family, and thank you for your friendship.
Joan H. Larson
September 5, 2024
My heart is sad today in learning of Dana (Danny) leaving us. Dana was like a little brother to me, along with Peter, and his sisters, Suzanne and Virginia. My love for the family is unreasonable. Dana was described perfectly in the obituary. My children send our deepest sympathy and love to the entire family. Dear Dana, rest in peace. God bless. Joan Hall Larson
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Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc.1010 East Eighth Avenue, Cordele, GA 31015
Sep
9
Funeral service
3:00 p.m.
Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc.1010 East Eighth Avenue, Cordele, GA 31015
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Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc.1010 East Eighth Avenue, Cordele, GA 31015
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