Willard's Christian faith was central to his life and the core of his being; he loved Jesus Christ and gospel music and was not afraid to share his faith in God with everyone he met. He was active in his church and seldom missed a church service. Willard taught Sunday school, was a deacon of the church and volunteered his time to provide financial advice for church matters. Willard also volunteered through the church, visiting hospitals and nursing homes and worked in a church sponsored homeless shelter. He was not only generous with his personal time but also donated financially to many Christ-centered charities on a regular basis.

Willard was a loving husband and a father devoted to his family. He was also a loyal brother to his younger sisters, Eula Eaton and Peggy Sue Ragsdale. He was proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was actively engaged in their lives. He was present at their major life events including graduations, team sports, and marriages.

Willard is survived by his two daughters, Amy Pace and Jane Iber, his son-in-laws Randy Pace and Heinrich Iber, grandchildren Ben Pace (husband of Krista Hamrin) and Elizabeth Morgan (wife of Robert Morgan), great-grandchildren Laine and Campbell Morgan, and his caregiver of several years, Denise Abercrombie.