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Philip Wayne Willard, Sr., age 69, of Griffin, passed away October 4, 2020.
Mr. Willard was born on Edwards Air Force Base in California on November 15, 1950. At a young age his family relocated to Perry, GA, where Mr. Willard grew up alongside five brothers and one sister. Mr. Willard graduated from Perry High School and continued his studies at Middle Georgia College. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Fort Valley State University. Mr. Willard joined the United States Army and was sent overseas during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his military service, Mr. Willard worked in a bank for a short time before beginning his more than 40 year career in the insurance business. Mr. Willard eventually became a business owner and independent insurance broker, a job that he loved. He was a people person and enjoyed helping others and building relationships through his work.
Mr. Willard was a kind and loving man. He was married to the love of his life and soulmate, Kimberly, for almost 33 years. The couple were best friends and enjoyed traveling together, particularly to the mountains and the beach. He was a jokester with a big heart. Those who knew him well knew that Mr. Willard was a man of few words but those words held weight. He was a man of good moral value and a voice of reason. He was trusted and well-liked by many. He was a bit old fashioned but a wonderful mentor and provider to his family. Mr. Willard was an avid golfer. He especially loved playing golf with his brothers. He played at many courses in middle Georgia as well as the beautiful Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. He also enjoyed working outside in his yard. He was a connoisseur of good cigars. He was fond of his longtime companion and pet shihtzu Brutus. Mr. Willard was a born-again Christian and member of Perry United Methodist Church.
Mr. Willard was preceded in death by his father, Jesse J. Willard. He is survived by his wife of 33 years: Kimberly C. Willard of Griffin; mother: Edith Willard of Perry; children: Chasity (Jeremy) Leech of McDonough, Philip Willard, Jr. of Perry and Christina Graham of Perry; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister: Jane Perfect of Elko; brothers: Mike Willard, Tommy Willard, Jesse Willard, all of Perry, Richard Willard of Murfreesboro, TN, and Dale Willard of Hendersonville, TN.
A memorial service will be held in Mr. Willard’s honor at 1 PM on Friday, October 9, 2020 at 2699 Turner Church Road, McDonough, GA 30252. The Willard family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville. Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.
SHELIA MORRIS says
I have been blessed to have met Philip 20 plus years ago thru Woody Folsom Automotive. He was always super friendly and helpful. So sorry to hear of his passing, he will be missed by many.
Laury Hartman says
I am saddened by the loss of such a sweet man. He made my friend Kim so very happy! She was his love and he showed her that love in everything he did for her. I know her heart is broken but Phillip is no longer in pain. Prayers for Kim and Chasity and all of his family during this very difficult time. Love to all
Patty Willard says
Was my favorite Brother by marriage for 52 years plus. Will always love you
then, now and forever.
Don Fewell says
Kim, Gaytha’s and my heart is with you during these times.
Elaine Wright says
Dear Willard Family: Know loosing a brother is very dear. Prayers for all The Family and connected friends. Blessings for All his Family group.
David & Joyce Oxford says
Our condolences to all the family. Our love & prayers
Debbie Chandler-Baker says
Kim and Chasity my heart breaks for y’all.
Prayers in the loss of your husband and father. I know what yall are going through I’ve already experienced both of those losses. I can say it doesn’t get easier it’s something you will learn to live with and realize things do get somewhat better in the days and even years ahead. Prayers to the family. Love y’all and will keep you in my prayers.
Craig Floyd says
Philip will be sadly missed by all the employees at Woody Folsom Auto Group. He has been our trusted insurance provider since our first dealership opened in Hazlehurst. He was always willing and able to help with any problems our employees had and always offered us honest advice on anything we asked. We will not only miss him as our insurance agent, but as a great friend also. We are praying for the family during difficult time.
Carol Stracener says
Dale: So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.
Christina Graham says
Dad,
I loved you then, love you now; always have; always will…
Christina Michelle
Donna Sharp says
So very sorry to hear of your dads passing Christy and Philip. My you both feel the arms of God around you during this time and the days ahead.
Vicki & Ricky Cleghorn says
Our Hearts are broken for Kim, Chasity, and family. Philip was one of the Best Men Ricky and I had ever met. He had taken care of our insurance needs for over 30 years. He became a very dear friend. His Christian Faith was always an example in the way he lived. He will never be forgotten. He will always be in the hearts of all who loved and knew him. God received a faithful servant and I know we will see him again. May God keep this family wrapped in his arms, with love, peace and comfort.❤️❤️🙏🙏❤️❤️
Brenda Stokes says
My heart heart hurts for y’all, and please know you are in my prayers 🙏🏻 Brenda Stokes
Brenda Stokes says
My heart heart hurts for y’all, and please know you are in my prayers 🙏🏻
Barbi Purdom Flournoy says
Bill and I know how difficult it is to lose a sibling and are so very sorry to hear about Philip. May good memories and the love, peace, and comfort of our Lord help you. Our prayers are with you all.
LISA FAUGHT says
My heart breaks for this wonderful family. I had the honor of meeting Phillip 15 years ago through my Employer Woody Folsom Automotive. Every time he came to the dealership he would stop by my office to say Hi and ask how was my husband Steve doing. He genuinely cared about his clients and was always so willing to help. He wasn’t just our Insurance Rep.. He was a friend and we were blessed to know him. He will be missed greatly. Prayers for you all..
Katherine Smith-Ussery says
Words cannot express how it is to lose someone. But, my condolences go out to my cousins and my Aunt, they just lost a wonderful man in their lives. Praying for comfort and peace for my family.
Angela Whitehead says
Philip and Christi, praying for you and your families during this time. Loss is always hard but your family will be here to help and support you through this difficult time. Brian and I love you dearly.
Shelia (Todd) Laws says
Christi, Philip and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I met Phil when we worked at The Bank and many years later I worked with Christi there. Praying that God will comfort each of you during this time of loss. Hugs.
Jeff and Beverly Morefield says
Kim, Chasity and family
Words cannot express our great sorrow in Phillip’s passing. We met Phillip 30 plus years ago when he came into Kim and Chasity’s life.
Phillip and Kim were a beautiful couple who had such fun at life. They were complete opposites who worked and made each other better.
Phillip was a soft spoken man who had such a strong character and dignity about him. He also had a crazy sense of humor. I have special memories of him having fun with my children when they were little – they loved Uncle Phillip.
I know heaven is rejoicing with his homecoming.
He will be missed till we see him again
Natalie Short says
I never saw Mr. Phillip without a smile on his face! He will be greatly missed by many. Chasity, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you!
Jesse Willard Family says
There are never enough words to cover the tremendous sorrow during this sad time. The road you have traveled, was long and very
difficult. Knowing Phil will be waiting for his loved ones, will help you go forward. We are very sorry for your loss and pray GOD’s blessing
on each of you.
Jack Bryan says
My deepest sympathy for Chastity and Kim . My prayers are with you during this difficult time . Phil was a true southern gentleman . He will be missed . RIP Phil .
Jack Bryan says
My deepest sympathy for Chastity and Kim . My prayers are with you during this difficult time . Phil was a true southern gentleman . He will be missed . RIP Phil .
Philip W. Willard Jr. says
I miss you Dad , this is harder than I imagined. Prayers for peace for Kim , Christina and Chasity , I love you all . Love you Dad , RIP .
David Phelps says
To: Philip W. Willard Jr.
I am so sorry for your loss! It is tough losing a Dad. I am in The Oaks Nursing Home with a busted knee. Your grand mom is across the hall from me. I would love to hear from you. I am on Facebook & Messenger. God bless you, Philip. In Jesus love, David Phelps
Le Ann S Tuggle says
Rob and I are both saddened by the loss of Philip. Philip, Kim and Chasity were our neighbors for a number of years. Chasity babysat for our children for years and often took our children to see her parents. Kim and Philip had a sweet marriage, and it was easy to see they were soulmates. I’m thankful Kim was there to hold Philip’s hand at the end. Prayers for Kim, Chasity, Jeremy, Christina and Philip.
Charles McElheny says
For many years, Philip and his brother Mike have been my golfing buddies. I will miss my friend and will cherish memories with him.
May time ease your sorrow and soothe your soul.
Milton West says
I was very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I enjoyed working with him for about four years and always thought very highly of him. May God comfort Kim and all of Bill’s family at this time! Milton West – Perry, Georgia
Richard Foskey Sr says
My condolences to the Willard family on your loss.