James M Williford

James M. Williford, 92, went home to be with our Lord peacefully on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, surrounded by loving family at Hawthorne Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Blakely, Georgia, he moved to this area as a teen, met his bride to be, and made his home in Ruskin. He worked for and retired from the Florida Division of Consumer Services as a Meat Inspector. He was a hardworking man with a sense of humor and a smile. He loved and was so proud of his family. He enjoyed traveling, camping, being outdoors working in his vegetable and flower gardens, music and dancing, and cooking up big meals to enjoy with family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Juanita E. Williford, his parents, Sidney and Jennie Sirmons Williford, and ten siblings. He is survived by three sons, Randall (Ann) Williford, Ralph (Donna) Williford, and Allen (Lynda) Williford; nine grandchildren, Melissa Williford Chandler, Aleece Williford King, Heather Richards Serafin, Marcus Williford, Amy Williford Giesler, Jamey Williford, Amanda Williford Nece, Joshua Williford, and Caitlen Williford Murrell; 15 great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family gratefully acknowledges Sheri Womble, Marty Sandoval, Wendy Young, Brenda Wallace, the staff at Rosecastle at Delaney Creek, and Hawthorne Health and Rehabilitation Center for their years of loving care, as well as recent support from Lifepath Hospice Silver Team.

Visitation will be held at National Cremation & Burial Society, 308 E. College Ave., Ruskin, Florida, on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m. Graveside services will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in James’s name to either USF Foundation, Inc., c/o USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC70, Tampa, FL, 33612, or Friends of the Smokies, P O Box 1660, Kodak, TN, 37764 (friendsofthesmokies.org).