Randall Willford

Randall A. Willford, 53, of Gladwin, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 31, 2020. He was born on November 23, 1966, the son of John & Linda (Decator) Willford in Gladwin. On August 2, 1986, he was united in marriage to Barbara Smelser in Gladwin. He was a former owner/ operator of Northern I.B.A. of Gladwin and most recently employed as a salesman for Star City I.B.A. of Lake City. He also owned and operated Northern Retreat, his piece of paradise in McMillan. He was very active within the Gladwin Community. He was president of Farm Bureau, 4-H Leader, and a volunteer coach for Gladwin Community Schools track & field teams for many years. In 2016, he was honored by being inducted into the Gladwin Athletics Hall of Fame for his playing & coaching contributions.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 34 years: Barbara Willford of Gladwin; 4 daughters: Ashlie (Elza) Hays of Gladwin, Elizabeth (Ryan) Balzer of Hope, Jenna (Jack) Starr of Gladwin, & Jacquelyn (Lamar Bontrager) Willford of Howe, IN; 8 wonderful grandchildren: Bailey, Jordin, Elza IV, Olivia, Jocelyn, Rhett, Jack III, & Jentry; very special granddog: Copper. He is also survived by his parents: John & Linda Willford; brothers: Jeffrey (Angela) Willford , Gordon (Natalie) Willford; sister: Chrystal (Mike) Hayes; sister in-laws: Debbie Willford, Maria (Kevin) Searfoss; brother in-law: Mike Smelser; sister in-law: Virginia Prodromou, Teresa Hickman; brother in-law: Gary Yantz; along with several nieces, nephews, & cousins.

He is preceded in death by his in-laws: Frank & Jacquelyn Smelser; grandparents: Gordon & Geneva Willford; grandmother: Dorothy Turnwald; grandparents: LaVerne & Virginia Boman; sister in-law: Janice Willford.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, February 8, 2020, 11:00 A.M. at Gladwin High School, 1400 N. Spring St, Gladwin. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020, from 1-8:00 P.M. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, 440 E. Cedar Ave, Gladwin, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made according to the Randall Willford Memorial Scholarship. www.hall-kokotovichfuneralhome.com