Willard O. Douds

Willard Oliver Douds, 84, a longtime resident of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 in Charlotte, NC where he had been a resident since 2002. Born in Wesleyville, PA, on February 7, 1928, Willard was the son of the late Mary and Willard Douds. He was a 1946 graduate of Ridgway High School in PA. From 1946-1948 he served as a Chaplain's Assistant in the US Army. He graduated from Grove City College in 1952 with a degree in Business. He retired from his career as a sales executive in the aluminum industry in 1993. Blessed with a magnificent tenor voice, Willard was a frequent church soloist and performed in the chorus of the Indianapolis Opera. His commitment to education was reflected in his volunteer work with the Craven Literacy Council in New Bern, NC, where one of his students, Earl Mills, went on to become a published poet. Willard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Ann Johnson Douds, as well as his three children; his daughter, Susan Bryant; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Jill Douds; and his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Jennifer Douds. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister and brother-in-law Marianne and LeRoy Erickson and their two daughters. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Edward Bryant, and his grandson-in-law, Cpt. David Jp Thompson. A private memorial service will be held on Friday, November 9 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215.

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