Jack Wesley Willard


Jack Wesley Willard, 79, of South Charleston, was ushered into Heaven on Sunday, January 20, 2008, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, where he will be eternally with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Among those awaiting his arrival is his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Joyce. Dad lovingly and devotedly cared for her during her 16-year illness. Others that preceded him in death include his mother, Travania Buckner Willard; father, Joseph H. Willard; brother, Harry Willard; grandparents, Ira and Bessie Willard; mother-in-law, Lila Kate Bays; and his stepmother, Imogene Willard.

Jack was retired from Libby Owens Ford Glass Plant, Lory Planing Mill and Krogers at Riverwalk Mall.

Jack had ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, but never allowed this to keep him from caring for all his family and the people God placed in his life. He remained positive and watched over the patients in his room at Golden Living Center.

Jack was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Spring Hill, where he served on the board of trustees. He was also an avid Jeff Gordon and WVU fan.

Dad will always be cherished for the things he taught his children by his incredible example in the ways he lived his life.

Surviving are daughters, Teresa at home, Karen Keaton, who was his neighbor at South Charleston, and Sharon Buckley of South Charleston; son, Joe and his wife Ginny, who was his daughter-in-love; grandchildren, Tim Willard and his wife Amy, Brian Willard, Steve Buckley and his wife Jennifer, Amy Wehrle, Monica and Mark Keaton; great-grandchildren, Chris, Alex, Mackenzie and Savannah Willard, Courtney and Ashley Buckley, Katelynn Wehrle and Davidson Martin, Alexis and Jamie Breeden; half sister, Dr. Deborah Willard and her husband Wallace Bever of Morgantown; sister-in-law, Marjorie Willard; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog Brownie.

The family would like to express unending gratitude to those who showered dad and his family with their prayers, compassion, love and support during this difficult time. Special thanks to the congregation of Bethel Baptist, Green Valley Church of God congregation and Pastor Tom Wise, Pastor David Bowen, Millie McCallister, Tonya Riffle, Linda Talmon of the ALS Association, Kanawha Valley Senior Services, Maxim Health Care and the staff of Golden Living Center.

Services and visitation will be finalized for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Good Shepherd Mortuary, South Charleston, is in charge of arrangements.