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Cedric Gamliel ‘CJ’ Willard was born on June 25, 1991, to Cedric Gamliel Manning and Kim Lorraine Willard.  He departed life, and transition to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 23, 2023.

Cedric graduated from Stoney Point High School in Round Rock, TX, in 2010.  He worked offshore as a deckhand and eventually began working as an Amazon delivery driver.

Cedric loved life and loved people.  He was proud to become a father and was a respectful young man.  His smile and love were genuine, and there was never a state or community that he lived in, where he did not make friends.  He was and will always be loved by many.

He leaves to cherish his beautiful memories, his parents, Cedric Gamliel Manning and Kim Lorraine Willard; his son, Carter Gamliel Willard; two nieces, Ryleigh King & Leilani Mays; three maternal brothers, Tyron King, Raymond Mays, III & Traymon Mays; one maternal sister, Chelsea Willard; two special paternal brothers, LaKendrick McClain & Zachary McClain; one special paternal sister, Deedee McClain; one maternal grandmother, Evelyn M. Hart; one maternal great-grandmother, Leaudry Connor; three special uncles, Kendrick F. Connor, Raenard J. Willard & Larry Manning, Jr.; two special aunts, Toshiba Manning and Summer Simmons and many cousins, aunts, uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles, and other family and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents Larry Manning, Sr. & Eleanor Manning; maternal grandfather, Roy Lewis Willard; a maternal uncle, Nicholas Dozier; great-grandparents, William A. Connor & Rev. A.J. & Bessie Manning.

A visitation was held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 2:00PM – 3:00PM followed by the funeral service for 3:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home with Bishop Lawrence E. Hart, Sr. ~ Pastor Officiating. Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton were in charge of arrangements.