J T Willard

J.T. Willard, 98 passed away at Pontotoc Health & Rehab Wednesday morning, August 26, 2020. He was surrounded by loved ones and his passing was peaceful. He was born May 15, 1922, in Union County to Ronel and Idella (Hudson) Willard. He was a member of Pleasant Dale Baptist Church. He was retired from Emerson Electric in Oxford, MS. a Mason, an avid fisherman who loved camping and the outdoors. He was a WWII Army Air Force Veteran and the widower of Blanche Myers Willard. He loved his family dearly along with his beloved pets. Survivors include daughters Sonja Barfield of Crossett, Arkansas, Jeannie Pence and husband Terry of Pontotoc, one son Jackie Willard of Pontotoc; seven grandchildren, Mark Wood, Candy Rushing, Jon Barfield, Betty Gantt, Deborah Shaver, Carrie Matin and Katie Haulcomb; thirteen great-grandchildren; nineteen great-great-grandchildren, and son in law Wayne Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a daughter Tommie Karen Wood, two grandsons Oliver Barfield Jr and Jarrod Willard; and one son in law Oliver Barfield. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Warren Cemetery in the Hurricane community with Dale Rushing and David Martin officiating. Pallbearers will be Terry Pence, David Martin, Dale Rushing, Mark Wood, Wayne Wood and Corey Rushing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.