He was born March 23, 1939, in Cardin, OK, the son of Harry Lou Willard and Effie Jewel (Spohn) Willard. Fred was the ninth of eleven children.
He attended school in Miami, Oklahoma. He joined the Army National Guard at 16 and received his GED in the military. He later graduated from Nazarene Bible College and served several years as Pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Penn Yan, NY. In his work career he owned and operated a pizza shop in Greece, NY, worked for Heekin Can, Inc. (now Ball Corporation) and J.B. Hunt.
In his military career, he served over 25 between the Army National Guard and Navy where he was awarded numerous achievement medals, commendations and service medals. After retirement from the Navy in 1994, Fred was a hobby farmer in Cane Hill, AR. On his 95-acre farm he raised Emu, cattle, goats and other animals. Fred was a hard worker all of his life. He never called in sick and was a good provider for his family. He was capable of whatever he put his mind to do.
Fred was loyal and steadfast in his Christian beliefs. Through the years he was a student of Bible prophecy and led a small group study. He was sociable, compassionate and generous. He was a faithful part of the Rogers First Church of the Nazarene.
He was preceded in death by his son, Frederick G. Willard, Jr (2003); daughter, Christine Basham (2024); grandson, Michael Davis (2021); brothers, Glynn Willard, Kenneth Willard and Jerry Willard; sisters, Delilah Berry, Harriet Mendenhall and Mary Beehler.
Fred is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda (Marsh) Willard of the home; sons, Steven Davis and wife, Debbie of Jay, OK and David Willard and wife, Sandra of N. Chili, NY; daughter, Mary Solomon and husband, Michael of Pulaski, VA; siblings, Robert Willard, Frank Willard and LaVeda Baker; Grandchildren, Jason Davis, Melana Willard, Sierra Willard, Zachary Hastings, Tanner Hastings, Christal Hastings, Christian Hastings, Brianna Lee, Savannah Solomon and Vivian Solomon; and many loved great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.
Interment is in Ruddick Cemetery, Garfield, Arkansas.
