September 13, 84, 
Rev. Willard Hardison, 84, left this world to be with Jesus Wednesday morning. Willard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and pastor whose love for life and others was apparent to all who met him.
Willard was born in Duplin County on October 8, 1932 to the late Perry and Lizzie Baker Hardison. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Willard’s service was recognized with numerous decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal. At an early age, Willard answered the call to become a pastor with the Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church and faithfully served that conference for over 50 years. During that time, he also served as the Assistant General Director of Christian Education for the PFWB Conference.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at The Bridge, Princeton Campus, followed by a service to worship God and to reflect upon Willard’s life and its goodness at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Interment will be Monday, September 18, 2017 at 12:00 noon in the Eastern Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery with military honors.
Willard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Edwards Hardison; sons, Rev. Ferrell Hardison and wife Millie of Goldsboro, Chuck Hardison and wife Deborah of Pine Level, and Hal Hardison and wife Sharon of Clayton; grandchildren, Brandon Hardison and wife Amy, Zach Hardison, Spencer Hardison and Caroline Hardison; and his sister, Linda Lanier and husband Baris of Beulaville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Mitch Hardison and brother, Walter Hardison.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Heritage Bible College, P.O. Box 1628, Dunn, NC 28335 or The Bridge, 188 Whitley Church Road, Princeton, NC 27569.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.