06/04/2026
Mr. Albert Edward Willard Jr., 84, of Hickory, NC, formerly of Birmingham, AL, entered into eternal rest Monday, May 25, 2026, at Frye Regional Medical Center with his son at his side.
Born April 23, 1942, in Tuscaloosa, AL, he was the son of Albert E. Willard Sr. and Marie Shelton Willard of Demopolis, AL. Albert dedicated his life to serving God, providing for his family, and making a positive contribution to the world. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Virginia Kathleen Gresham Willard.
After completing his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alabama in 1966, Al began a 57-year professional engineering career that included Alabama Power Company and leading firms in the Birmingham Metro. He retired in 2023 as a partner in Ray Engineering Group, where he dedicated 30 years to designing electrical distribution, lighting and auxiliary services for hospitals and long-term care facilities, large municipal water and wastewater facilities, schools and state parks. Al proudly maintained engineering certification in Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee, completing required professional education courses through 2025. He was a life member of IEEE.
Following his retirement and move to Hickory, he became an active part of the community at Kingston Residence, initiating a weekly Bible study class, supporting the gardening group and championing improvements that would benefit his neighbors. Al attended Viewmont Baptist Church, where he enjoyed participating in Sunday School and in-person and online services. At times in his life, he was a volunteer firefighter, ambulance driver, youth soccer coach, fisherman, photographer and print developer, camper, amateur pitmaster, marksman, band parent and vegetable gardener. Al traveled in more than 24 states, Mexico, Canada, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland. He was an early adopter of home computing, and he enjoyed studying his Bible, researching genealogy, cooking, wood crafting and donating to charitable causes focused on improving the lives of others.
Heis survived by his son, Michael Willard and wife Alison of Hickory, NC, his daughter, Christine Henley and husband Mark of Sanger, TX, and grandchildren Watson and Lachlan Willard and Patrick Henley.
A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, in the Gathering Place at Viewmont Baptist Church. Bass-Smith Funeral Home serviced the family.
Interment was held Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 10 A.M. at Oakwood Cemetery, Greensboro, AL, and a graveside service will occur at a later date. Larkin and Scott Mortuary, LLC entrusted with local arrangements
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Alabama to The Foundry Ministries or Jimmie Hale Mission, or in North Carolina to Safe Harbor of NC or Viewmont Baptist Church.
