Willard Fletcher

Willard Fletcher, age 78, of Speedwell, TN, formerly of Frakes, KY, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Tri-State Health and Rehabilitation Center, Harrogate, TN. He was born on May 15, 1947, the son of the late Lemuel and Lunda Murray Fletcher.

Willard was a 1965 graduate of Henderson Settlement High School, Frakes, KY. After graduation he was drafted into the US Navy, where he served on the USS Ticonderoga and the USS Oriskany and received the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Later, he retired from the United States Park Service, Cumberland Gap, TN. Willard was a resident of Speedwell, TN, for the past 7 years where he attended Carr’s Chapel Baptist Church. He was a longtime member of Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church, Middlesboro, KY.

In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by his brothers, Wilburn Fletcher and Wallace Fletcher and sister, Wilma Palmblad.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Waunita (Ray) Partin, of Walhalla, SC; five nieces, Donna Maiden Chmelar, Dianne Maiden Moss, Kathleen (David) Taylor, Kristin Longmire, and Gloria Fletcher Slone; one nephew, Wilburn (Sara) Fletcher, Jr.; special great-nephew, Wilburn Fletcher III (“Tripp”); and special great-niece, Wrenly Fletcher, as well as a host of other family and friends.

In accordance with Willard’s wishes, cremation will take place and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date at the George Partin Cemetery in Frakes, KY.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Willard Fletcher are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.