James Willett

ASHEBORO — James Ronald "Bub" Willett, 82, of Asheboro died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mark Hall and Dr. John Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park.

Born Aug. 23, 1940, in Chatham Co., NC, Mr. Willett was the son of the late Clayton and Pearl Routh Willett. He was the owner of Pep's Appliance Service and an active member of First Baptist Church, Asheboro, where he was involved with his Sunday school class. He built handicap ramps as part of Handyman Ramp Ministry and helped with the Baptist Men's Disaster Relief in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.  

Bub was a "long time student" at Randolph Community College, enjoyed NASCAR, and also enjoyed restoring cars.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Willett was preceded in death by his wife, Vernece Leach Willett.

Mr. Willett is survived by his sons, Jeffery Neal Willett and wife Ruth of Asheboro, Jeremy Ryan Willett of Asheboro; sisters, Ila Mae "Dottie" Mendenhall and husband Larry of Greensboro, Doris Elaine Estridge and husband Tony of Bennett; brother, Billy Joe Willett and wife Pat of Siler City; grandchildren, Elizabeth Willett and Michael Willett.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at Ridge Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Handyman Ramp Ministry, c/o First Baptist Church, 133 North Church Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Condolences may be made online at www.ridgefuneralhome.com