William Franklin Wadford, known affectionately as Bill or Frank, passed away on January 31st, 2024, after a long and brave fight with cancer.
Bill was born on December 24th, 1950, to William Henry Wadford and Edith Mae Bunn in Raleigh, NC. He was the oldest of three children and dearly loved his entire family, especially his brother, Martin, and sister, Lauren.
He graduated from Wake Forest High School in 1969. He served in the Air Force and, afterwards, attended Washington State University to study nursing. After graduating with his Bachelor’s degree, he was commissioned as an officer in the US Army, kickstarting a highly decorated career that culminated in over 20 years serving in the US Armed Forces.
In 1975, Bill married Chin Suk Yi, the love of his life, in Youngsan, South Korea. They went on to have four children: Lynn, Maria, Joseph, and Stephen and three beautiful grandchildren: Yumi, Camila and Reese. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and made sure to let them know often.
In 2016, Bill retired but continued to serve his community, devoting his time and attention to volunteering with the NC State Extension Master Gardeners. He enjoyed gardening, spending time with family, and watching sports, especially his beloved NC State Wolfpack, the Carolina Panthers, and the Carolina Hurricanes.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Wadford and Edith Mae Bunn. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Chin Suk Wadford; his four children: Lynn Salazar Wadford, Maria Wadford, Stephen Wadford and Joseph Wadford; his daughter in law, Danielle Doucet Wadford; and his three grandchildren: Yumi Salazar Wadford, Camila Salazar Wadford and Reese Wadford. He is also survived by his brother, Martin Wadford, sister-in-law, Patricia Wadford, and sister, Lauren Thompson. Bill leaves behind a large and loving extended family.
The family will receive friends at 500 Ramsey St, Fayetteville, NC 28301 on Tuesday, February 6th at 11:45 to 12:45 pm. A funeral service will be held at 1 pm in the Rogers and Breece Chapel. Burial to follow the service at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the NC State Extension Master Gardeners of Cumberland County.
