Robert W. "Woody"" Williford

Robert Woodrow “Woody” Williford, resident of the Somerville Community, retired owner of the Williford Ford Tractor Company in Somerville and husband of Bonnis Cole Williford died Wednesday morning, August 3, 2011 at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis where he had been a patient for one week. He was 87 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Joint Services of Remembrance for Mr. Williford and his daughter, Janet Williford Diffee were conducted at 2 PM Thursday, August 4th at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland. The officiating ministers were Rev. Larry Kendrick of Somerville and Dr. Curtis Crenshaw of Houston, TX. Interment with Military Honors followed in the Somerville City Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center—West Chapel of Oakland.

Mr. Williford was born February 16, 1924 in the Tiptonville Community in Lake County, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Williford and Zola Billman Williford.  Mr. Williford was a graduate of the Lake County High School and completed his education in the Memphis School of Commerce where he met his wife, the former, Bonnis Cole of Blytheville, AR. Mr. and Mrs. Williford were married November 2, 1947 and moved to Fayette County 43 years ago to establish their Williford Ford Tractor Business the family operated until their retirement in 1987.

Mr. Williford served in the United States Navy during the World War II period and was a longtime member of the Somerville First United Methodist Church. He was a business owner in Fayette County for over 30 years and was active in the civic and community affairs of Fayette County during that time.

In addition to his wife of 63 years, Mr. Williford leaves three sons, Robert Williford (June) of Houston, TX, Ken Williford (Lynn) of Lititz, PA, Lane Williford (Tricia) of Dothan, AL; son-in-law, Jerry Diffee; eight grandsons and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Williford was preceded in death by his daughter, Janet Williford Diffee.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Christian Activity Center Fund of Somerville First United Methodist Church, 202 South East, Somerville, TN  38068.