Obituary of Willard Donald Stevenson

Willard Donald Stevenson, 82, of the Galbraith Creek Community, peacefully departed this life to be with his heavenly father Tuesday, March 1, 2016. He was born May 13, 1933 to the late Lawson and Florence Stevenson. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy Stevenson and Ralph Stevenson, and his sister Ruby Buchanan. He entered the US Navy July 3, 1951, which led him to serve his country in the Korean War. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal during his time of service. He was a member of the Omer Buchanan VFW Post 9281. He was a loyal and faithful member of Holly Springs Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon on May 13, 1973. He also held the positions of the Adult Sunday School teacher and the Church Piano Player. He loved music and was self taught on several instruments, including the guitar and the banjo. He was a career carpenter, a devoted fishermen, an avid reader and a dedicated Atlanta Braves fan. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and the pillar of his family, their leading light. Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Louise O'Diear Stevenson; his son Ernie Stevenson and wife, Barbara; daughter Donna Rowland and husband Donnie; and daughter Lisa Barker and husband Randy; sisters Mary Wike, Helen O'Diear, Deanie Cook and husband James, Dorothy Chambers, Hazel Cook and husband Ronnie; Grandchildren Dana Cochran and husband Travis, Amber Shuler and husband Casey, Lindsey Stevenson, Chris Barker and wife Ashley, Trevor Barker and wife Auburn; Great-grandchildren Hunter and Bailey Cochran, Noah and Elayna Shuler, Aubree and Landon Barker; several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 6pm-8pm at Holly Springs Baptist Church. The Funeral service will be held Friday, March 4, 2016 at 2pm at Holly Springs Baptist Church, with burial in the Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Reverend Eddie Stillwell, Reverend Tim Barker and Reverend Lowell York will officiate. Pallbearers will be Chris Barker, Trevor Barker, Travis Cochran, Casey Shuler, Duane Cook and Kim Stevenson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Willard Stevenson to the Valor Hospice Unit, Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805 and Four-Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Crisp Funeral Home is assisting the family.