William Ady "WillA" Shuford Jr.

William Ady Shuford, Jr. “WillA” passed away at Givens Estate on December 23, 2020, at the age of 98 of COVID-19. WillA was born in Weaverville, NC, on August, 1922. He was preceded in death by his parents William A. Shuford and Bessie Garrison Shuford and his siblings Louise, Edwin (Toady), Ray Shuford and Gerry Hardee.

WillA is survived by his loving wife Olive Alberta Gray of 73 years, daughter Ronda Dwyer (Barry), sons Mark (Janet), Rick (Sherry), Darryl (Lorri) and Hoyt (Beverly). He is also survived by his sister Janice May Shuford, and grandchildren Andrea Roddey, Mindi Montgomery, Daniel Dwyer, Chad Shuford, Matthew Shuford, Cory Shuford, Adrienne Byam, Aaron Shuford, Kevin Shuford, Chelsea Shuford, Shelby Shuford and nine great-grandchildren. Also, step-granddaughter Amy Dwyer and three step-great-grandchildren.

WillA was a World War II veteran, he was drafted into the Army in November 1942 with the 9th Division, 39th Infantry Regiment serving in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy invasion, Battle of the Bulge, and Battle of Hurtgen Forest. He served for three years and received a purple heart, four bronze stars, and combat infantryman badge.

WillA graduated from Bowling Green College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science and Accounting degree.

WillA was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was very proud of his family. WillA’s proudest legacy was being a father. His strong work ethic was instilled into his children and he was very proud of all their achievements.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC 28704. A military burial will immediately follow the service at Shepherd Memorial Park, 5045 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial donation may be made to Skyland United Methodist Church, 1984 Hendersonville Hwy, Asheville, NC 28803.