Gerald Frank Willard

Funeral services for Gerald Frank Willard, 80, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church with Pastor Gene Hazell officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Mr. Willard was born October 13, 1944 in Prescott, Arkansas to the late Leola (Zumwalt) and Charles Leo Willard, and died Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in a Nacogdoches hospital.

Brother Willard had been a minister for over 40 years. He had many interests such as writing poetry, carpentry, and he even published a book. But his heart and life were 100% devoted to his faith and doing the Lord’s work. Gerald handcrafted beautiful metal crosses, among other things, and always had some handy to pass out to anyone he met. He would sit at the sewing machine and stitch fabric bags that would get filled with personal care items, and every month made his way to Houston where they would be handed out to the homeless at shelters and those he found living on the streets. Brother Gerald was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and his family was his pride and joy. Gerald will no doubt be missed dearly for his contributions to communities and ministering to all. He loved his Lord and had a true servant’s heart. His shining example of love and selflessness is a legacy to be remembered.

Survivors include his daughter, Karen Willard Harris of Lufkin; grandchildren, Robert Harris, Aaron Harris, Chad Harris, John Willard, Ashley Willard, Amanda Butler; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Terry Pfiefer and husband Tom of Milton-Freewater, Oregon; brother, Jim Willard and wife Pat of Walla Walla, Washington; son, John Charles Willard of Mabank; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 2016, Ruthie Willard; and sister, Judy Perry.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.