Willard Randolph Weaver Jr., 86, of Williamsburg, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025.
He was born on February 1, 1938 in Newport News, to the late Grace and Willard R. (“Happy”) Weaver.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Myrtle Morton Weaver; son, Todd Weaver and wife Charlene of Texas; and sister, Sandra Weaver Huff of Tennessee; and niece, Anne Huff Haight and husband Kyle of California.
Willard was born in Hilton Village, Warwick County, and was a graduate of Newport News High School. He attended the University of Virginia School of Engineering, and received his degree in Physics from William & Mary. His professional career of 42 years at NASA Langley was mostly in the Space Systems Division as a physicist. One of his favorite projects early in his career was his involvement in the Viking 75 Lunar Landing on Mars project. Another favorite project was as part of the team designing and building NASA’s space museum. Toward the end of his career, Willard served as Assistant to the Director of Space.
After retirement, Willard subscribed to many science journals to keep up with advances in space exploration, as well as medical field advances in genetics. He loved traveling and camping with his family. He also enjoyed his role as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at Calvary Baptist Church in north Newport News.
The family thanks all the medical workers who cared for Willard over the last few years of his illness, as well as the care and kindness of the many family members and friends who loved and supported him.
A memorial service will be held in the spring, a time Willard loved.
