Obituary for Willard James "Red" Prince
Willard James “Red” Prince, 98, of Jane Lew went home to his Lord on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at his home. He was born in Lake Lane in Braxton County on October 7, 1923: son of the late John Luther Prince and Alice Rosie (Brown) Prince. On October 5, 1945, Red married the love of his life, Mary June (Eubank) Prince, who preceded him in death.
Red will be forever cherished by one daughter Deborah Ellen Prince of Bridgeport, one son Edwin J. Prince of Cleveland, OH, 7 grandchildren: Christy, Chad, Sarah, Nicole, Justin, Benjamin, Meredith, 24 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He also left behind his best friend Jack Heffinger and caregiver Dennis Gaunt.
In addition to his parents and wife June, Red was preceded in death by two sons Steven Prince and Donovan Craig Prince, one grandchild Donovan Ashley Prince, 4 brothers: Garl, Ernest Luther, Earl and Denzil Prince and 5 sisters: Virginia “Virgie” Blake, Elsie Moats, Sara Davis, Mary Theda Prince and Myrtle Prince.
Mr. Prince was a graduate of Burnsville High School with the class of 1942 and a graduate of Weston Business College. Red then entered the United States Army during World War II where he received the rank of Sergeant. He was proud of his time served, where he was in the Battle of the Bulge and Red received a Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Award and World War II Victory Ribbon and was very proud to tell anyone about. After his service, Red owned and operated Prince’s Service Station of Jane Lew from 1948-1986.
Red was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #166 of Jane Lew, the General Lightburn VFW Post #5131, where he had been first commander and past commander, and a life time member of Weston DAV #51.
Red was an avid NASCAR and football fan. He started playing music at a young age and continued playing throughout his life. He was especially known for playing the dobro and steel guitar. Red could tell a story that would leave a lasting impression. He had 3 furry cat companions who will miss him dearly.
Family and friends will gather at Hardman Family Funeral Home 730 N. Main Avenue of Weston on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 1PM-3PM. The funeral service will begin at 3PM from the funeral home chapel with Reverend Ron Brown officiating. Interment will follow services at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens of Jane Lew with full Military Honors conducted by the United States Army and the Lewis County Honor Guard. Online condolences and life stories in memory of Red may be expressed at hardmanfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Hardman Family Funeral Home of Weston considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the family of Willard James “Red” Prince.
Red will be forever cherished by one daughter Deborah Ellen Prince of Bridgeport, one son Edwin J. Prince of Cleveland, OH, 7 grandchildren: Christy, Chad, Sarah, Nicole, Justin, Benjamin, Meredith, 24 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He also left behind his best friend Jack Heffinger and caregiver Dennis Gaunt.
In addition to his parents and wife June, Red was preceded in death by two sons Steven Prince and Donovan Craig Prince, one grandchild Donovan Ashley Prince, 4 brothers: Garl, Ernest Luther, Earl and Denzil Prince and 5 sisters: Virginia “Virgie” Blake, Elsie Moats, Sara Davis, Mary Theda Prince and Myrtle Prince.
Mr. Prince was a graduate of Burnsville High School with the class of 1942 and a graduate of Weston Business College. Red then entered the United States Army during World War II where he received the rank of Sergeant. He was proud of his time served, where he was in the Battle of the Bulge and Red received a Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Award and World War II Victory Ribbon and was very proud to tell anyone about. After his service, Red owned and operated Prince’s Service Station of Jane Lew from 1948-1986.
Red was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #166 of Jane Lew, the General Lightburn VFW Post #5131, where he had been first commander and past commander, and a life time member of Weston DAV #51.
Red was an avid NASCAR and football fan. He started playing music at a young age and continued playing throughout his life. He was especially known for playing the dobro and steel guitar. Red could tell a story that would leave a lasting impression. He had 3 furry cat companions who will miss him dearly.
Family and friends will gather at Hardman Family Funeral Home 730 N. Main Avenue of Weston on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 1PM-3PM. The funeral service will begin at 3PM from the funeral home chapel with Reverend Ron Brown officiating. Interment will follow services at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens of Jane Lew with full Military Honors conducted by the United States Army and the Lewis County Honor Guard. Online condolences and life stories in memory of Red may be expressed at hardmanfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Hardman Family Funeral Home of Weston considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the family of Willard James “Red” Prince.