Larry Gene Williford of Mansfield, Texas, was born August 11, 1946, in Madill, Okla. Larry departed this life on Jan. 11, 2022.
Larry was raised in the Lebanon area and graduated from Madill High School in 1964. Larry unknowingly met his future wife as a newborn in the Madill Hospital nursery. Born days apart, they later realized they were in the nursery at the same time. Larry later married her, his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Devin, on March 20, 1965.
Larry and Carolyn moved to Fort Worth where Larry and his partner formed Irving Electric Company. Larry became one of DFW’s youngest licensed master electricians.
Larry then ventured into the home building business. He was one of the longest-standing members of the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association which he joined in 1968. He first worked with a former partner for All American homes and then went on to found Valiant Custom Homes. He subsequently established Silver Nail Custom Homes with his brother-in-law, Basil Devin. He then worked with his son Jason Williford for Williford Custom Homes until his retirement. He received many accolades and awards for his projects.
Larry was a devoted husband, dedicated father and doting grandfather. He and Carolyn were married 56 years and enjoyed their 50th wedding anniversary on a Caribbean cruise with their family. He never missed his son Jason’s baseball games or school activities. He continued this tradition with his grandsons, sitting behind home plate at baseball games and right next to the court for tennis matches. His signature cheer, “Wake ‘Em up Boys!” became a treasured memory for his grandsons and fellow fans that grew to love him. He also cherished his animals-from spending time feeding his birds, visiting his granddogs, and even had a local duck that visited him every morning for breakfast.
Larry was proud of his Chickasaw heritage and belonged to the Chickasaw Warrior Society. He served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and the Texas Air Force National Guard.
Larry was proceeded in death by his parents, Juanita Williford and Ruben Williford and his brother, Dink Williford.
Larry is survived by his wife, Carolyn Devin Williford; son, Jason Williford and his wife Shea Wiggins Williford; grandsons, Carter and Jackson Williford, and many cousins and friends.
Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 from 12-8 p.m. at the Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Okla.
Service will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 at the Watts Memorial Chapel, Madill, Oklahoma. Chris Rogers and Jason Williford will officiate the service. Interment will be at the Keel Cemetery, Keel Oklahoma.
Casket Bearers: Jason Williford, Carter Williford, Jack Williford, Steven Walden, Chad McBroom, Greg Brown, Carroll Plemons and Keith Aderholt
Services will be under the direction of Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Oklahoma.