Thomas F. Willard

Sunset Memorial Park
Funeral Home and Crematory, LLC
1700 Barrington Rd. Midland City, AL
(334) 983-6604
Robert and Toni Byrd

www.SunsetMemorialPark.com

Thom Willard, 60 years of age of Dothan, AL went to be with the Lord 29 January 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Thom was born Sept 21, 1954, to the late George T. and Violet (James) Willard. He was raised in Youngstown, Ohio, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1972, and lived in Youngstown for 34 years before moving to Dothan. He was a proud resident and businessman in Dothan, AL for the last 25 years when one of his patented processes brought him to his “second home.” Thom loved Dothan and all the friendships and business relationships he developed in this wonderful area. He thanked God everyday for the opportunity to work and raise his children here. He attended First Presbyterian Church, and cherished the opportunity to raise his family in such a family-oriented, God-fearing area. A man of many talents, he began his own business when he was 13 years old and always believed that you should use your talents to do your best, serve God, and make the lives of others better. He received the most satisfaction when he could help someone achieve their dreams and goals anonymously. He proudly believed that it was more important to give a man a hand up then to push him down. His hobby was listening to music, writing lyrics and poems, creating and designing ways to better the lives of others. He achieved more than 13 personal patents, and 17 in partnership with others, plus many “rights of discovery.” He always said “it’s not about making money it’s the opportunity to enrich the lives of others with the money you earn.” He currently was the Managing member of Ag Fibers LLC, his final business that was created in his mind, and drawn by hand into the blueprints of a state-of-the-art business. He previously worked from 1972 to 1982 at Youngstown Sheet & Tube while building homes, remodeling and numerous other ventures in his “spare time.” From 1978 to 1986, he owned and operated Thom’s Trenching Service in Youngstown, Ohio, and was proud of the fact that he employed his parents and family members. He always tried to be the stable foundation for his family and friends, and give them a hand whenever they needed.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, legacies and pride and joy, George T. Willard II, and Nicholas Lee Willard, whom he loved more than life itself. The biggest gleam in his eyes was when he looked at his boys, whom he deeply loved, fiercely protected, and was so very proud of. Also left is his wife of 26 years and teenage sweetheart, the former Lesa Davis. The two met on a blind date when she was 15 years old, through their best friends, and after years of friendship they married on Oct 1, 1988. He reminded her frequently that she was always the love of his life, and she proudly states to all that he was hers. He cherished spending time, laughing, and conversing with his family and leaves a brother, Larry Quinn; brother, Dennis Willard, and sister-in-law Nancy Quinn; brother-in-law Mike Stanar, nieces and nephews Lisa (Stanar) Pertee, David Quinn, Carrie (Lucas) Scahill, Terry Lucas, Michael Quinn, Nicole Quinn, April Maro, Andrew Willard, Alexander Willard, Jessica Willard and many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Jacqueline Stanar, brother, Leonard Quinn, sister-in-law Patty Quinn, nephew, William Quinn, and great nephew Nicholas Pertee. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Dothan Rescue Mission, 216 East Crawford Street, Dothan, Alabama 36301.

The Willard family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Sunset Memorial in Dothan, and Rossi Bros & Lellio in Youngstown, Ohio. The family will receive friends for visitation at First Presbyterian Church in Dothan on Sunday, February 1, 2015 from 1 pm until 2 pm and with a service beginning at 2 pm. He will then take his last journey home to Youngstown, for a family service at Gibson Heights Presbyterian Church and then progress to his final resting place at Lake Park Cemetery in Youngstown, Ohio.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the... salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55

Robert Byrd of Sunset Funeral Home, (334) 983-6604, is in charge of arrangements. Please call us or visit www.SunsetMemorialPark.com for more information.