James Willard Obituary

April 23, 1933 - July 2, 2025 James Franklin Willard (Jim) Mr. Willard was 92 years old when he left this earthly life for his heavenly life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born in St. Clair County, Steele, Alabama on April 23, 1933. Mr. Willard retired from the USMC as a CWO2 in 1973. He loved being a Marine and loved serving his country. He didn't stop working. He worked at Sea Pines and then at Western Auto on Hilton Head before completely retiring. He received the Bronze Star with (V) for combat in Vietnam. He was in bridge clubs in Sun City and really enjoyed playing bridge with his friends. Special friends include, Kay and Joe Fragale, Jimmy Polk and Phylis Pritchett, Cliff Grossman, Bob and Ellen Crouse, Bobbie Barlow and Colin Mason, and caregiver Shawanna Nix. Jim is survived by his daughter, Debbie Kopp (Sidney); sons Roy and Marc Willard; brother David Willard (Kathy) and a bunch of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Hazel Willard; wife, Mary Lou Mixon Willard; brothers, Lewis Willard, Tom Willard, Robert Willard and Doug Willard; sister, Dean Willard; granddaughter, Serena Miller and son Rick Willard. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Karen (Mitch) Hollis, Sean (Nikki) Kopp, Kristen (Chad) Netherton, Kerri (James) Hardin, Crystal (Donald) Hollingsworth, Daniel (Haley) Willard; greatgrandchildren Katlynne (Hunter) Dreaden, Jillian Miller, Kylie Hollis, Alexis Firster, Aspyn Kopp, Levi Geary, Ruthie Baker (Drew Marcano), Isaac Baker, Noah Minton, Parker and Callum Willard, Jenny and Luke Hollingsworth, Jacob (Audrey) Hollingsworth, and Justin (Vanessa) Hollingsworth; great greatgrandchildren; Jeremiah Parker, Palmer Torrence, Zachary Marcano, Tucker and Mary Beth Hollingsworth and Violet Hollingsworth. The service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV).