Willard Franklin Page, Sr.

Willard Franklin Page Sr. 10/03/1928 – 1/15/2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Willard Franklin Page Sr., announce his passing on January 15, 2025 at the age of 96. Up until 8 months prior to his death, he was living independently in Raeford, NC until he began suffering symptoms of congestive heart failure and kidney disease. He then moved in with his son and daughter-in-law in Pinehurst, NC.

Born October 3, 1928 in Dismal Township, Sampson County, NC Willard was the son of the late Edgar Franklin Page and Nellie Grey Tyson. During the depression the family was separated when he was only five years old. After living from home to home during his childhood, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps at the age of 17 where he was stationed in Germany shortly after WWII in 1945. Upon returning home to St. Paul’s, NC, he met the love of his life and wife, Beryl Van Riddle Page. Together, they owned and operated many businesses: Page Finance Company, Page Furniture Company, Page Pawn Shop and rental properties. He was a former member and deacon of the First Christian Church of Fayetteville. He was predeceased by his loving wife and business partner of 64 years.

Survivors include his daughters: Sherry Dell Page of Wilmington, NC and Pamela Page Arnett and her husband, Dr. Robert Michael Arnett of Spartanburg, SC; son, Willard Franklin Page, Jr. and his wife, Melissa Anne Page of Pinehurst, NC; grandson, Willard Franklin Page, III and wife Brittany Hastings Page of Pinehurst, NC and Michael Bryan Arnett of James Island, SC; granddaughter, Sherry Bethany Page of Pinehurst, NC; step-sons; Samuel David Finnegan of Pinehurst, NC and Nicklaus Mitchell Finnegan of Pinehurst, NC; sister, Margaret Dorcas (Dot) Baumgardner; two great grandsons; and a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Willard was preceded in death by his brothers: Roy Fulton Page, John Paul Page, Joseph Edward Page, Robert Aaron Page and sisters: Roxie Mae Page and Susie Page Ritter.

A “Celebration of Life” viewing will be held at the McNeill Legacy Funeral Home in St. Paul’s, NC from 11 am to 12 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025. There will be a private graveside service for family immediately afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Moore Humane Society, 5355 NC Hwy 22 Carthage, NC 28327. https://moorehumane.org