HORTENSE — James R. Widner, 87 of Hortense, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023 at his daughter’s home in Chesapeake, Va., after an extended illness.
Widner was born in Omaha, Ark., to the late Troy Widner and Wilma Wise (née Wilma Moulder). He was also preceded in death by two siblings, Leroy Widner and Peggy Allen.
Widner spent most of his youth in Texas where he joined the Navy and acquired the nickname “Tex”, which followed him the remainder of his life.
While assigned at Naval Air Station Glynco, Ga., Widner met his beloved wife, Melba, who also preceded him in death. Though they remained in Georgia after leaving the service, he was always a Texan ... you never saw him without his cowboy hat and boots.
After leaving the Navy, Widner pursued a life-long career as an operator with the International Union of Operating Engineers.
He enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, hunting and being a mechanic, but most of all he enjoyed being a Grandpa.
Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Dena delRosario-Briggs and Shana Brown; eight wonderful grandchildren, Brandon, Chad, Dusty, Jedidiah, Joshua, Logan, Paige and Benjamin; great grandchildren, Rylee, Noah, Glenn, Sophia, Jedidiah II, Brenton, Brogan, Ryder, Rylan, Cambree, Kaisley and Taylen; and many other relatives and friends.
A graveside service will be held at Hortense Cemetery Saturday, February 18 at 2 o’clock. Rev. Sheldon Rowell will officiate the service.
Refreshments will be served afterwards at Philadelphia Wesleyan Church in Hortense.
