J. Willard Ellington

J. Willard Ellington, 90, of Ellington Road, Siler City died Saturday, July 26, 2014 at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill. Mr. Ellington was born in Chatham County on November 2, 1923, the son of Marvin Neese and Inez (Clark) Ellington. He was employed for 25 years with the NCDOT as an Equipment Operator and was an Auctioneer, license # 547. Willard was a member of Moon's Chapel Baptist Church and the Adult Men's Sunday School Class. Mr. Ellington was a 1950 graduate of the Reisch American School of Auctioneering in Iowa. Willard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Marvin Harrison, Kermit and Guy Ellington. Willard was a very simple man who loved his family and grandson. He worked for Reitzel Bottling Company, enjoyed hunting, gardening, farming and tending to his cows. He enjoyed riding his tractor and golf cart. Willard loved storytelling and laughing. He is survived by his wife of 63 years: Doris Johnson Ellington; and one son: Mark Ellington and wife, Jeannie of Siler City, NC; grandson, Zack Ellington and wife, Heather of Greensboro. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 28, 2014 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. Other times they will be at the family home. The funeral will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Moon's Chapel Baptist Church, 175 Moon's Chapel Road, Siler City with Rev. Scott Faw officiating. Burial will follow the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Chatham County Council on Aging. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.