He was born March 2, 1942 in Akron, Ohio to Glenwood C. and Theresa C. (Gabel) Dickerhoof. Willard was a veteran of the United States Army, active during the Cuban Missile Crises. He had a long career spanning 30 years working at both the A.C. Williams Co. and Duracote, retiring as a machinist. In 2002 he retired due to health reasons. Willard started volunteering at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center (Robinson Memorial Hospital) from 2003 until 2019. He was known to many as “Mr. Smiles”. He was “The Greeter” at the Full Gospel Mission where he has attended for over 50 years. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and his involvement as a poll worker at the Kent VFW.
Willard is survived by his wife of 35 years, Grace (Fancher-Brown), sons: Willard “Bill” (Jerry Tyndall) and Charles of Columbus, daughters: Elizabeth “Liz” (Larry) Hahn of Mogadore, Rebecca “Reba” Stewart of Ravenna and Sheila Straw of Kent. A sister Margaret (Stephen) Bigley and brothers Edward (Mary Sue) of Ravenna and Ronald (Christine) of Stow also survive him. He was also loved by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Glenwood II and his son Gary.
A memorial service and Celebration of his life, officiated by Pastor Bill Davis, will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at the Full Gospel Mission Church, 887 W. Spruce St., Ravenna. A fellowship will immediately follow.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com
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