Reverend Willett

Waynesville, Reverend Franklin Ray Willett, 68, of 88 Kanuga Place, was promoted to glory on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 after an extended illness. A native of Madison County, he spent most of his life in Haywood County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Elsie Willett and a sister, Edna Jane Brooks. Ray Willett served in pastoral ministry for 36 years beginning his ministry at Welcome Hill Baptist Church in Canton. He served for 27 years as pastor of First Baptist Church of Lake Junaluska and upon his retirement was named Pastor Emeritus. He is survived by his loving wife and ministry partner of 49 ½ years, Ilene Miller Willett; three sons and their wives, Chris and Donna Willett, Barry and Celesa Willett, Scott and Angie Willett; one daughter, Leisa Willett Ledford and her husband, Steve; ten grandchildren; one brother, Reverend Wayne Willett and his wife, Helen; and one sister, Thenia Ann Queen and her husband, Carl. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Lake Junaluska on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a celebration of his life beginning at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Jimmy Huey and Reverends Wayne, Chris and Barry Willett officiating. A gravesite memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at Dawn Memory Gardens in the Crabtree community with Reverend Davis Plemmons officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Micah and Josiah Ledford, Jared, Justin, and Joshua Willett, Dean Miller and Thad McCracken. Honorary pallbearers will be Pastors of the Haywood Baptist Association and Deacons of First Baptist Church of Lake Junaluska. Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville is in charge of arrangements. At other times, the family will receive friends at the home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Lake Junaluska, 154 Sunset Ridge Road, Clyde, NC 28721 or Haywood Regional Medical Center Hospice, 560 Leroy George Drive, Clyde, NC 28721.

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