Barry Keith Willard

Born December 3, 1962, Barry was a Greensboro native and lifelong resident of Greensboro. He graduated from Vandalia Christian School and earned his undergraduate degree and MBA at UNCG, pursuing a successful career in big-box retail and home improvement. He was a general manager at Office Depot for over 20 years and assistant manager at Kmart and Lowe’s for over 10 years.

A gentle giant, Barry made friends wherever he was, and he was always out and about. Barry enjoyed gaming and classic arcades, especially the Boxcar Arcade, Comic-Cons, Pokemon, going to movies, swimming pools, and Myrtle Beach. He was a regular at his favorite haunt, the Lawndale Drive-In. He recently got to meet his icon, William Shatner, getting a signed photograph.

Nothing made Barry happier than spending time with his beloved children, Katie, Emilie, and Bailey. He adored and doted on them, told anyone and everyone how proud he was of them, and treasured his time with them.

Barry is survived by his daughters, Katie Willard, Emilie Willard, and Bailey Willard; former spouses Cathy Willard and Donna Ratliffe, and his loving girlfriend, Natalie Boylan; as well as over a dozen nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Oscar Willard III and Faye Brewer Willard.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on August 12, between noon-4pm. Please contact the family for more details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vandalia Christian School or the Comic-Con Museum, a nonprofit organization that celebrates the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com for the Willard family.