David Willard
Age - 70
November 25, 2023
David Wayne Willard left for heaven on Tuesday evening, November 21, 2023. He was a friend and family member to ALL for 70 years. He joined his mother and father, Bill and Joan Willard, along with his brother Jimmy Willard; as well as his mother and father in law, Lincoln and Minnie Ball. Remembering him with love are his wife, Jane Willard; his pride and joy, Anne (Annabeth) Elizabeth Willard Jackson (daughter), Avari Jackson (granddaughter) and Tate Jackson (grandson); Michael Willard (brother) and his wife Sheila Albritton, along with their children, Melissa Edwards (daughter) and husband Neal Edwards, and their daughter Madelyn Edwards, and Megan Sargalas (daughter) and husband Matt Sargalas; Daniel Willard (brother); Bonnie Clements (sister) and her husband Vernon (Buzz) Clements; along with their children Breanne Blackmon (daughter) and her husband Mike Blackmon, Bradley Clements (son) and wife Brittany Clements and their children Shelby, Salem, and Eleanor; along with sister in law Charlotte Willard; (Nephew) Zach Willard and wife Ciera Willard, and their children Isabella, Carson, Shallow, Amelia and River, as well as (niece) Bailey Willard. David was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina in 1953. He was the second born of the five children. He was a very active child and teen, achieving many awards, including his most proud moment: obtaining an Eagle Scout certification. He later moved to Paducah, Kentucky and West Memphis and eventually landed in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Here he attended Arkansas State University where he studied music. He graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in 1976, and his Master's degree in 1978. During his time at Jonesboro, he was always involved in the church. He worked part time at the First Baptist Church in Bay. He also worked in the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home as a relief parent in college. While in Jonesboro, he met his wife Jane Ball, and they were married July 24th 1976. They were happily married for 47 years. He later moved to Newport, where he was the Choir and Youth Director at First Baptist Church, a choir director for Tuckerman schools and was famously known as the driver of the big White Church Bus. During their time in Newport, they adopted their only child and daughter, Annabeth, in 1980. Their family eventually moved to Cabot, where he would spend the remainder of his life helping others. David was an interim youth minister at First Baptist Church Cabot for one year, then later moved to First Baptist Church Ward from 1985-1991. After that, David always worked in the church music ministry up until his last few years on earth. He was very proud to be the Choir Director at Cabot Public Schools from 1983 to 2017. He won teacher of the year and Choral Director for the State of Arkansas, multiple times. Along with his years at CPS, he was ALWAYS involved in Christian music ministry around the entire state of Arkansas. Some of his well-known hobbies included coordinating weddings, as the owner of Designs by David, staying actively involved in the community through various service activities, and driving the big yellow school bus. David was a friend to all. His legacy includes changing a multitude of his students' and friends' lives, through his inclusive, kind-hearted and loving ways. He was considered a leader in his family and was known to show up and support every member at their special occasions. To know him is to love him. His memory will not only live on forever through the people he has touched, but also through - The David Willard Memorial - Vocal Music Education Scholarship - "One Child at a Time" that will be presented this May to two honorable Cabot High School students. He lived his life as a man of God and it is a blessing that he is now with the Lord, singing with the angels. A celebration of David's BIG Life will be on Tuesday, November 28th at Moore's Cabot Funeral Home, located at 700 N. 2nd Street in Cabot, Arkansas, with visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p. m. and a funeral service beginning at 6:30 p. m. The graveside service will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery located at 163 Mt Carmel Rd, Cabot Arkansas beginning at 10:30 a. m. Wednesday. There will be a procession from the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a. m. ALL family and friends are welcome! Memorial gifts may be made to Cabot Scholarship Foundation, Inc. ; 200 West Main; Cabot, AR 72023. Thoughtfully written by: Granddaughter, Avari JacksonShow more
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