Julian Hudson “Joe” Williford Jr., Professor Emeritus, 75, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away December 5, 2019 with his family by his side. He was born June 21, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Julian H. Williford Sr. and Evelyn (Marshall) Williford. He grew up in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from Virginia Tech University with degrees in food science. He married Sue Houston on September 17, 1999 and she survives in Bowling Green.
Joe was a Professor of Food and Nutrition at Bowling Green State University for 38 years. He was also a faculty member at Texas Tech University prior to coming to Bowling Green. In 2016, BGSU honored his years of dedication to the program by officially naming the “Joe Williford Food Science Lab.”
He was an avid golfer and a member of the Bowling Green Country Club. He was a world traveler. He enjoyed reading, observing wildlife and collecting coins and stamps. He was a sports enthusiast, his favorite teams being University of Michigan, Washington Redskins and New York Yankees. His greatest joy in life came from the time he spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Along with his wife of 20 years, Sue, Joe is survived by his children Joe (Katie) Williford of Perrysburg, Ohio, Todd Williford (Allison Postl) of Sylvania, Ohio, Matt Bolze of Billings, Montana, Kelsey Bolze of Alexandria, Virginia and Elizabeth Bolze of Oxford, United Kingdom. He is also survived by his grandchildren Hayley Williford, Hanna Williford, Cassidy Williford, Hudson Williford, Caraline Postl, Kennedy Perkins and Averi Perkins.
Visitation will be held Thursday December 12, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster St. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1:30 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bowling Green.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in his memory to Bowling Green State University Food and Nutrition Program or the Cleveland Clinic Lung Transplant Program.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Williford family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
