May 2, 1941 ~ December 11, 2025 (age 84)
Eugene Willard Eason, Jr., known as Willard, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at the age of, 84, in Lanett, Alabama. Born to Eugene Willard Eason, Sr. and Lala Daniel Eason, on May 2, 1941, in Lafayette, Alabama.
Willard’s journey was shared with his devoted wife of 47 years, Susan McKinney Eason. Their partnership was a testament to love and mutual respect, beautifully reflected in the lives of their children, Beverly Eason (Shelia), Tony Eason, Julie Eason, Lindy Hamilton (Rickey), Janet Harmon, and Tammy Johnson. The joy of his life was magnified by his cherished grandchildren, Robert Swader, Weslee Eason, Toni Eason, Ali Abdeltif, Zoie Attaway, Alyssa Abdeltif, Dean Gleaton, Caleb Worthy (Desirae), Brandon Hamilton (Caroline), Adam Hamilton (Hillary), Dana Richardson, Nikki Watkins (Jace), Levi Harmon, Savannah Turner (Brad), BJ McMakin (Aynsley), and extended to his twenty great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Even as his family expanded, each new addition found a special place in Willard’s expansive heart. He was also survived by his loving sister, Marie Sims, while predeceased by his parents and sister, Dorothy Jean Allarde.
Willard was a proud Mason and an esteemed employee number 1038 at Uniroyal, where he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his work and colleagues. His dedication to his profession was matched only by his skill and his ability to fix and build, which earned him the reputation as a truly handy man.
As we bid farewell to a man of such remarkable character, we do so with a celebration of the time we were fortunate enough to share with him. Willard’s life, imprinted on the hearts of many, will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
A funeral service for Willard will be held, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Happy Valley Church, in Lanett, Alabama. The family will arrive and enter the sanctuary at precisely 10:38 A.M. (EST). They ask that everyone in attendance be seated at 10:30 A.M. (EST). Pastor John Samanie will officiate.
Interment will follow directly after the service at Harmony Memorial Park, in Lanett, Alabama
Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. in the chapel of Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home, in Valley, Alabama.
Please visit Willard’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Willard, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
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