Robert Willett

Robert L. Willett, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Monday, April 19, 2010, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert L. Willett Jr. He is survived by his wife, Leona Thompson Willett; son and daughterin-law, Benjamin and Betty Willett; daughter-in-law, Carol Willett; granddaughters, Lauren Willett, and Heather Case and husband, Travis; grandsons, Jonathan and Christopher Willett and wife, Carla; great-grandsons, Mason and Jackson Case, and Cameron Willett; and stepgrandson, Patrick Anderson. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Frances Boyd, Margaret Thompson, Louise Bain and Virginia Thompson; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Peggy Thompson and Elaine and Herbert Thompson. Mr. Willett was a World War II veteran and retired after a 20 year career in the United States Air Farce followed by 20 years as Field Representative in Virginia for the National Foundation of the March of Dimes, raising funds for birth defects. He was a member of Windsor Hills United Methodist Church and former member of Central United Methodist Church where he served in many offices including Chairman of the Official Board, Lay Leader, and active member of the United Methodist Men. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. on Friday, April 23, 2010, at Oakey's South Chapel with the Rev. Branan Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at Fair View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.