William Willard
Fort Worth, Texas — William W. “Bill” Willard, 78, formerly of Groton, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas. Surviving are his wife, Patricia (Longton); sons Shantai Willard, Waco, Texas and Jonathan Willard (Rebekah), Fort Worth; daughter Amy Hampton (Damian), Killeen, Texas; brothers, Lawrence Willard (Phyllis), Dover, Del., Thomas Willard (Anita), N. Grosvernordale, Robert Willard (Nancy) Fort Worth; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Christopher M. Willard; and his parents Lawrence C. and Mary B. (Krupowski) Willard. A joy of his later years was to mentor a little girl named Sarah Rogers. Bill became her “Papa,” loving her and teaching her many practical things.
Born July 27, 1942, in New London, and educated in Groton schools, Mr. Willard was an Eagle Scout, a U.S. Marine and veteran of the Vietnam War, returning to Groton to become a fireman for the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Depart, later retiring after 20 years as Toledo Scale’s technician at Pfizer. After moving to Texas, he was superintendent of multiple new home builders in the Dallas-Fort Worth areas.
Bill and Pat married in Noank, Sept. 10, 1966; and were married 54 years. An elder at Fullness in Christ Church, Fort Worth, for 20 years, Bill was a man of great kindness, wisdom and encouragement, modeling the love of Christ to each one he met. He loved simple things and pleasures. Bill’s “best friend” was Jesus! He lived to know Him better. As he faithfully prayed each night, he’d call out each one by name. He will be sorely missed by multitudes. His desire, above all else, was for you to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior too!
A simple funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, central time, at his church. Due to COVID-19, the family requests no one travel from out-of-state. The service will be live streamed at 10 a.m. Central time; 11 a.m. Eastern, on the church’s YouTube site: https://www.youtube.com/ c han nel/UC3ZybzElH ID 10 ha eMVvNH1Q. Grab a coffee and join the cloud of witnesses!
Please do not send flowers. Donations may be made in his memory to: Fullness in Christ Ministries 8895 Random
Road, Fort Worth, TX 76179, to support the “Dumpsite Children” in the Philippines. Donations help to house, feed, educate and provide clothing for very needy children.