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Hal Willett Obituary

Hal Harley Willett

GRANITE FALLS - Mr. Hal Harley Willett, 89, of Granite Falls, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sept. 12, 2012, at his residence.

He was born Jan. 17, 1923, in Rowan County to the late Phyleckster Willett and Susan Jane Sain Willett. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air-Force, where he served as a B17 Nose Gunner and instructor and crew member during World War II.

He was a retired Vice President of Hickory Steel. His hobbies included all sports, and he was an avid golfer. He loved to joke with friends and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by four brothers, Wilber Willett, Phyleckster Willett, Jr., John Willett and James Willett; four sisters, Ruth Willett, Mildred Willett, Frances Willett Coogan and Betty Willett Bollinger.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sybil Long Willett of the home; three sons, Hal "Mike" Willett and wife Sandy, Leck Willett and wife Donna, Ensor Transfeldt and wife Grace; one daughter, Bryn Starnes and husband Wesley; one grandchild, Gabriel Smith; and one sister, Patsy Willett Hall. Mr. Willett is also survived by great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Service and Visitation: The graveside service will be held Saturday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory with Rev. Jerry Lingerfelt officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, Sept. 14 at Mackie Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.

Memorials: May be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, NC 28645; or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 61, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Military Honors will be rendered by DAV Chapters 84 and 6.

Mackie Funeral Home is serving the family. You may view the obituary online at www.mackiefh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Salisbury Post on Sep. 13, 2012.

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4 Entries

The river of his life is a current in mine

Ensor Transfeldt

September 14, 2012

Hal Harley Willett was one of the greatest men I have known.He took a stranger boy into his home and sent him away with all the tools to be a man. He was the "complete man" and taught us by example.He has been the ultimate Dad and husband. When he walked into a room his personality filled it. He made life happy and fun. He was loved by all and cared for all.
He taught me much and I loved him like my own Dad. I was immensely priveleged to be embraced by the Willett family.
Ensor

Karen Nehrenz

September 14, 2012

My sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time of sorrow. Hal and you were great friends here in the Villages and Hal played a lot of golf with Bob when Bob was able. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 14, 2012

MY HUSBAND AND I REALLY LOVED HAL, AND SYBIL. WE GOT TO VISIT THEM NUMEROUS TIMES. MAY GOD BE WITH THIS FAMILY THRU THESE TIMES. ALL OUR LOVE, DAVID & GINGER LUCKE

Monroe Teague

September 13, 2012

Hal Willett was one of the finest men that I ever knew. Hal was my friend and supervisor for almost nine years at Hickory Steel Company. He was a true gentleman, and he always treated people fairly and with respect. I worked for and with many fine people during my career as a banker and corporate controller, and Hal was one of the best of them. My sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends.

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