Willard L. Necaise, Jr. Obituary (1943 - 2022)

Leo retired from the Army after 21 years of service to his country. He served 3 tours in The Vietnam War and received numerous medals including a Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Air Medal and Master Parachute Badge. When he returned to the states he became a Drill Sergeant and moved up in the ranks to Master Sergeant by the time he retired from the 82nd Airborne in 1982. Leo was a true patriot who loved his country and had a passion for helping young soldiers be the best that they could be. His favorite role was "Jump Master" where he got to help guys get their courage up to jump out of a plane with faith that their parachute would open and that they would land safely on the ground. He was a teacher, a mentor and a motivator. Leo had a zest for life like no other. If you look up the word "Gung-ho" in the dictionary his photo most likely would be beside it. He wasn't afraid to try anything and knew how to do almost everything. After becoming Airborne, he liked jumping out of planes so much, he decided he wanted to learn to fly as well. So, that is what he did. He bought a plane and traveled all over the states carrying any family and friends who were up to an adventure with him. Following his retirement, he became a licensed landscape contractor and completed residential, commercial and government projects throughout the Southeastern United States. He held the landscaping contract for all the base housing at Ft. Bragg, NC. When he moved to Sneads Ferry in the early 90's he bought a Shrimp Boat and eventually it took him right down to the Low Country of South Carolina where he remained. He finally took a real retirement and joined The Calf Pen Hunt Club and spent many of his final years with his friends there, playing cards, riding his 4 wheeler, hunting and taking naps in his deer stand and hooch. He loved to have his grandchildren come to hunt with him. They were the joy of his life. Leo is survived by his daughter Penny Stith and her husband Joey of Atkinson, North Carolina, his son, Timothy Necaise and his wife Ann Marie of Morehead City, North Carolina; step daughters Lynne Allen and her husband Ray of Atlanta, Georgia and Tonya Crosby and her husband of Chuck of Beaufort, South Carolina: and his sister Rose McBrayer husband Jerry of Georgia; He also leaves behind grandchildren: Gabriel, Olivia, Spencer, Andrew and Austin; step grandchildren: Mark and Jacob Allen, Emily and Brooke Crosby. He also leaves behind his precious furry girl "Mimi" who will remain with his daughter. He was preceded in death by his wife Evon Freeman Necaise and his brother Eddy Necaise of Gulfport, Mississippi. The family would like to thank all of his friends for helping with many things that needed attending to during his sickness. You went above and beyond and he was so blessed to have you. Also, many thanks to all the healthcare workers who helped him through his long and final battle over the last few years. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 am on June 28, 2022 at Anderson Funeral Home in Beaufort, SC. A service will follow in the Chapel at 11:30.The Internment will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery with Full Military Honors at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to www.OPFOB.orgwould be appreciated. OPFOB is a non-profit organization that creates recreational experiences for Combat Veterans which help to provide them with a brighter outlook on their future.