Richard Willard, Jr.

Richard H. Willard, Jr. of Gallatin, TN passed away on January 18, 2018 in Hendersonville, TN. Dick was born July 22, 1930 in Boston, MA to the late Richard and Helga (Wahlstrom) Willard. Dick had a lifelong passion for flying, starting his time behind the cockpit at 12 years of age. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he was shot down while piloting a military aircraft. After his military service, he went on to continue flying well into his 80's logging in over 30,000 hours of flight time. He flew for both commercial and business purposes and had the privilege of flying for many famous people and artists, including Aerosmith. Dick was also a certified Simulator Instructor Pilot and has received the Platinum Safety Award from the FAA; he truly earned his wings. In his spare time he enjoyed photography and spending time with his puppies. He also loved spending all his free time with his family vacationing and just being with the kids and grandkids. On June 28, 1967 Dick was united in marriage to his loving and faithful wife of over 50 years, Donna (Leland) Willard, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Judith Shannon, Richard C. (Bonnie) Willard, Tom (Cindy) Willard, Earl (Angie) Willard and Michelle (Mike) Proctor-Johnson; 16 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Edel Connolly. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 11a-1p at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS in Gallatin, where funeral services will follow at 1pm. Interment will follow the services at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.