He was born in Cook County, Ill., son of the late Frank C. Widrig, Sr and Dorothea Johnson Widrig.

Col. Widrig  served more than twenty years in the Army,  five years of which he spent in Vietnam where he was awarded two bronze stars, a Combat Infantry Badge, among other awards.

He was instrumental in the founding of the Eighth Psychological Operations Battalion at Ft. Bragg and was its first commander.

After retirement, he worked as a CPA with the State of North Carolina from which he retired as well.

Col. Widrig was a member of the Rosemary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Shadrick Widrig, of Roanoke Rapids; 4 children; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; 5 step children, 6 step grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 30, 2018, in the Chapel of Wrenn, Clarke, & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Layne Wallace officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home following services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8541.

Online condolences may be made to www.wrenncalrkehagan.com