Edward Ed Williford

Rocky Mount - Edward Williford, age 92, was born on April 29, 1926, in Wilson County. He was the son of the late Johnny Leslie Williford and Gladys Pearl Tant Williford. Ed peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 08, 2019. He joins his wife of 65 years Rachel Davis Williford, son, Edward Wayne Williford, grandson, John Edward OBriant and brother, James Norris Williford all whom preceded him in death. Ed leaves behind to cherish his memory, daughter, Wendy and husband, Michael OBriant, of Rocky Mount. He is also survived by granddaughter, Ashleigh OBriant, of Rocky Mount and great-grandson, Johnny Kirkpatrick OBriant, of Rocky Mount; sisters, Lois Williford Joyner, of Elm City, Graynell Williford Harrell, of Wilson and Cricket, his dog. Ed graduated from Elm City High School. After graduation, he joined the Army and proudly served in World War II as a staff sergeant serving overseas in Travois, Italy. Upon returning home, in 1947, Ed joined the Elm City Police force and served unto 1950 when he joined the Rocky Mount Police force. Ed went from Sergeant to Lieutenant. He served with the force from 1950 to 1959 in this capacity. Then for the next 28 years he served as a Lieutenant detective with the Rocky Mount Police force, for 37 years. He was voted Policeman of the year in 1962. After retiring he along with his wife went to work as volunteers with the American Red Cross for 18 years. He was given the Outstanding Disaster Volunteer Award with the Red Cross from 1992-1993. Ed was an active member of Sharpsburg Baptist Church, where he was a deacon for 12 years and a Chairman of Building and Grounds for 5 years. He also sang in the choir. His passion was God, his family, woodworking, hunting and fishing, and true friend to all who knew him. Ed was also a very special member of the morning group that meets at Hardees on 301 in Sharpsburg, where this group laughed, cried, prayed and cared deeply for one another. The family would like to give special thanks to Nick and Deloris Joyner for the special care and their friendship they showed to our love one. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home with the Rev. Tony Russ officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to the Rocky Mount Police Benevolent Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com. Visitation Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services 661 English Rd Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> (252) 937-8886 --> | Thursday 1/10, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Service Location Not Available Friday 1/11, 11:00 am