Gene Williford Sr.

Gene Williford Sr., a sharp-minded entrepreneur, business owner, and lifelong builder of both community and opportunity, passed away on April 16, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 82.

His fingerprints are all over Eastover — from the neighborhoods he developed to Baywood Golf Course, one of his proudest accomplishments. He had a vision for growth and the drive to make it real, turning fields into foundations and ideas into places where people could build their lives.

Gene’s first business was Williford Seafood, a small, family-run retail shop he stepped into at just 20 years old. Through grit, hustle, and sheer determination, he expanded it into a thriving wholesale business that reached far beyond Fayetteville. Our family holds cherished memories of trips to New Orleans for seafood conventions, where business mixed with celebration and Gene’s energy was in full bloom. That same ambition eventually led him into land development, where he helped shape Eastover into what it is today. His legacy lives not only in the golf course and neighborhoods but also in the communities and relationships those places continue to nurture.

He was a seeker of opportunity, knowledge, adventure, and a good story. Gene traveled often and with purpose, but he was never happier than when he arrived back home — usually with treats in hand and a few new jokes to share. He lit up around people, and they were naturally drawn to him. They came for his stories, his laugh, and the way he could fill a space with energy and ease.

To call Gene a character would be an understatement. He was a storyteller, a jokester, a proud North Carolinian — a man who built more than neighborhoods. He built community. His voice filled every room. His stories were never short. His punchlines came with a wink, a sideways smile, or a knowing pause. You didn’t forget Gene once you met him — and most of the time, he made sure of that.

As his daughter, I saw the many sides of him up close. He was the relentless entrepreneur, the fiercely loyal friend, and the father who pushed us hard. He held high expectations, and while he didn’t sugarcoat much, his love for his children ran deep. He adored his grandchildren and took every chance to make them laugh — often with the same corny jokes we grew up with. And somehow, they were always funny.

Faith was the foundation beneath everything he did. Gene believed deeply in God and was an active member of Lebanon Baptist Church. His values of generosity, resilience, and loyalty were rooted in that belief. It guided how he loved, how he built, and how he lived.

Gene is survived by his children: Cindy Huntley (Brown), Angie Williford, and Adam Williford. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ashley Osborne (Zach), Stephanie Gregory (Brett), Courtney Pope, Nicholas Williford, Anna Williford, Natalie Williford, and Leighton Williford; and by seven great-grandchildren who adored him. His longtime friend, Gwen West, along with a wide circle of extended family and friends, will miss his mischievous laugh and the way he could make the ordinary unforgettable.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Gene Williford Jr. and Patrick Williford.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Lebanon Baptist Church, with a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lebanon Baptist Church.

He leaves behind family, friends, stories, laughter, a sense of community, and lasting legacies. And in every one of them, his fingerprint remains.

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