Robert Eugene Willard, Sr.

Robert Eugene Willard, Sr., age 70, passed away on November 2, 2025. He was born on November 15, 1954, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the late Lester Forrest Willard and Mary Callahan Willard.

Robert retired from Wake Forest Baptist Hospital after 30 years of service. Following his initial retirement, he worked in several nursing homes, ultimately retiring from Heartland Living & Rehab in January of 2025. In his early years, he served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with Station 28, Union Cross Fire & Rescue. He was a talented handyman who could fix just about anything and was always the one friends and family called upon for help.

Robert enjoyed fishing and scuba diving with his son and son-in-law. He loved attending classic car shows, taking trips to Florida, and cheering for his favorite football team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His favorite pastime was watching Gunsmoke.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Emily Goforth Willard; his children, Shannon Willard McGlocklin (Shayne) of Apollo Beach, FL, and Robert Eugene Willard, Jr. (Wendy) of Kernersville, NC; and his granddaughters, Maddie McGlocklin (23) and Reese Willard (14). He also leaves behind his two beloved fur babies, Bella and Cleo. Surviving siblings include Phyllis Cooke (Lanny) of Newport, NC; David Willard (Jeanne Ann) of Winston-Salem, NC; and brother-in-law Todd Goforth of Winston-Salem, NC. Robert was preceded in death by his brothers Wayne Willard and Richard Willard, and his sister Dorothy Widener.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at J.C. Green and Sons Funeral Home Chapel, 10301 N. NC Highway 109, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, with Rev. Vernon Smith officiating. In lieu of visiting the family’s home, visitation will be held immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions in Robert’s memory can be made to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be sent to the Willard family at www.jcgreenandsons.com.

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