Willard Francis Dodd

Willard was born on August 1, 1924 to Edgar E. Dodd and Mabel J. Hess in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. As a child, he enjoyed the shenanigans that were common of young boys in those days. Willard loved playing baseball and was the captain of his high school basketball team.

Willard Dodd graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He met Betty Jean Gibson while growing up in the neighborhood. They started dating in high school and wed on December 12, 1942. They went on to have their only child, Terry Lee Dodd in 1944.

After graduation, Willard worked at various jobs. He delivered ice blocks for the ‘new’ ice boxes and pumped gasoline at a filling station. A customer took Willard under his wing and taught him the steel building business. Willard began traveling weekly as a salesman selling steel buildings. He went on to co-own a steel building company in Amarillo, Texas. Willard moved to Houston in 1968, and held various positions in the steel building business. He also co-owned an electric company. He became life-long friends with many of his co-workers.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather, Willard loved serving his Lord and Savior. When traveling in his early selling days, he picked up a hitchhiker who was headed to seminary in Edmond, Oklahoma. This young man knelt with Willard on the side of the road, they prayed and Willard asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. From that point on, Willard held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with anyone and everyone who would listen. He lived for Sundays where he served and greeted those who walked through the doors of Spring Baptist Church.

Willard joins his mother Mabel Dodd, his sister Eva, brother Billie, and brother-in-law Bob Gibson in Heaven. He is survived by his loving wife Betty Jean of 77 years; son Terry; granddaughter Kari and husband Kirk Willis; grandson Willard Wade Dodd; great-grandchildren Ashley and husband Andrew Colwell, Haley Spelce, Becky Lynn Dodd, and Kara Willis; and great-great-grandchildren Kate and Norah Colwell and Jaxton Spelce. Willard also cherished numerous nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Baptist Church.