Williford, James Clifton

Our Dad, James Clifton Williford was born on December 23, 1931 in Lumberton, NC.During his early school years, he saw and met Lucille Ward. Wanting to know her, James completed many long hikes for an opportunity to see Lucille. His efforts paid off as Lucille finally married him on June 17, 1950 in a union lasting for more than sixty years. James and Lucille raised a family with five children. Dad worked numerous occupations including farming, Semi Truck Driver, Security Guard as well as meter monitor for the City of Lumberton to name just a few. He advanced through the City ranks holding several key positions including Building and Electrical Inspector. He culminated his career while serving as a Supervisor with Lumberton Environmental Control Department. Dad worked hard to love, care for and provide for his family. Each of us developed our own unique and special relationship with our Dad. We have many personal memories and stories that we gladly remember, share and enjoy to this day. As children and young adults while growing up, each of us found ourselves in less than desirable situations usually for our own making. Actually, looking back on it, we kept Dad pretty busy as our plans, parties, and ideas didn‘t always go as they should. Even so, we know that we could count on dad standing behind us working things out. After taking care of official business and upon getting the current offender home, Dad really took care of business. More than one of us wished that he wasn‘t standing quite so close as he rendered his own opinion from behind. We got the message. Dad enjoyed carpentry and took great satisfaction in completing home and building projects. There is no doubt that he believed in recycling to save money. Many of our projects as kids were removing nails from boards salvaged from various house or demolition sites. He usually found a use for most things. If not, he would save them for when he might need them. I believe that we are still using some of those very nails that we pulled and straightened to this day. He absolutely shared a passion for the sea and coastal life. He liked camping and enthusiastically enjoyed his boats and fishing. All family members, as well as many friends, had ample opportunity to help with various projects or go on many fishing trips. These too provided us with many experiences and cherished memories. During the past year or more, there were many difficult times that Mom and Dad faced while dealing with health issues. We as a family, came together. We pulled as a team providing care and making the tough decisions that had to be made. I‘m sure that Dad was proud of us all and that he will be waiting on us to help us through again. So now Dad, when you find something that needs fixing, you can do what you always did — “JUST NAIL IT!”