Wednesday, April 16, 2014 3:46 pm

Willard Edward Alley, age 91, of Forest City, NC, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2014.

Born June 22, 1922 in Statesville, NC, he was a son of the late Garfield Alley and Mary McCreary Alley Sells.  Willard served in the US Army and was a veteran of World War II.  He worked in textiles most of his life and was a member of Crestview Baptist Church. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-eight years, Beatrice Smith Alley; two daughters, Diane Alley and Shirley Googe; brother, Bill Alley; sister, Blanche Alley and grandson, Frank Henry Sherrill.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary McGinnis of Mooresboro and Linda Sherrill of Cleveland, NC; son Ray Alley of Forest City; thirteen grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by a long-time friend and companion, June Bruce of England.

Funeral services were conducted at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Jerry Ruppe officiating.  Interment followed in Alexander Mills Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.