Willard Fred Gifford Sr, age 85

Willard Fred Gifford Sr, 85, of Sherwood went to be with his Lord and savior, his beautiful wife Mary Gifford, Mother and Father, Grandson, and a slew of siblings. He loved the great outdoors and his family! We cherished the days we had with him in his 85 years of life. He isn’t suffering or in pain anymore! We love you Papoo!

Willard spent 45 years as a machinist at Missouri Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad. He was a member of the international aerospace workers and machinist, and he was a member of the National Guard for four years.

He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane (Worsham) Gifford; grandson Anthony Long II; parents Ruben Benthy Gifford, Ethel Rose Gifford, and six siblings.

He leaves behind three children, his daughter Kathryn Lawrence (Jerri) Windham, N.H., son Willard Fred Gifford Jr. (Carol) of Sherwood, daughter Deborah Long (Tony) of Mayflower; grandson Chris Long (Kelli) and great-granddaughter Sophie Long, Spencer Long, Skylar Long; granddaughter Genieve Long-Irby and great-grandchildren Anthony Long-Irby, April Irby, Gabriel Irby, Alyah Irby; grandson Willard Gifford III (Kayla) and great-grandchildren Kaden and Emily Gifford; grandson Jonathan Lawrence (Amanda) and great-granddaughter Kathryn Lawrence; sister Ruby Von of Cabot, and many other friends and family who will dearly miss him.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers please donate to any domestic violence shelter.

A memorial service will be held Monday, March 28, 2022 at 2pm at A Natural State Funeral Service.

Arrangements are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service. 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076.

To view a tribute slideshow of Willard, please follow the link provided below.

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/H9DKDHS6JS9N79DY