Rinda Kay Brinkley Willard passed from her earthly life during the early evening of July 19, 2025, while at home.  Born on August 6, 1949, she is the daughter of the late Buren Uriah Brinkley Sr. and Elene Carter Brinkley.  She was also preceded in death by her husband—Bruce Carroll Willard; sisters—Blenda Faye McLamb and Peggy Glenda Sholar; and brother—Buren Brinkley Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her oldest sister--Lynda Hollingsworth; her children Samantha Swinson and husband Frankie of Pender County, her oldest son Duaine Cavenaugh and wife Tanya of Duplin County, and her baby boy Will Canady and wife Katie of Duplin County; grandchildren—Baylie Thornton and husband William of Duplin County, Bradley Knowles and wife Anna of Harnett County, Brantly Hobbs and Ashleigh Guidry of Wake County, Allena "Alyie" Matthews and husband Marshall of Duplin County, and Holly Eye and Aiden of Spartanburg (SC); great grandchildren—Lauren, Braylie, Brinkley, Lacey, Savannah, Logan, Dallas, Wrenley, Carsyn, Ryan, Lucas, and Carter; and her bonus grandchildren and bonus great- grandchildren.

Mrs. Willard chose to spend most of her adult life in caring for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  In her philosophy, "the more family there was, the better she liked it".  Her most favorite thing on earth was loving the grandchildren.  At different points in her life, she worked for Billy's Pork & Beef Center and for Wal Mart.  While being a softhearted lady, she was something of a jokester and is described by family as "spicy and spunky".  At the same time, one did not have a desire to make her angry with them.  Cooking for family and friends was one of the special joys in her life.  These same friends would become family in a short period of time, if they were not careful.  Other pleasures in her life were sewing, puzzles, and Ipad games, but her greatest story she loved to tell, was when she had the opportunity to work with Dolly Parton, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn when she was younger.

The family will greet friends at a visitation set for Tuesday, July 22nd from 6 till 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home.  A graveside service is set for Wednesday, July 23rd at 10:30 a.m. the Potts Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Willard, NC.

Padgett Funeral Home is proudly serving the Willard family.