William Claude Willard Jr., a loving husband, father, and grandfather, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the age of 75.

“Billy,” as he was affectionately known, was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was the son of the late William Claude Willard Sr. and the late Rosa Mae Godfrey Willard. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Linda Kay Willard.

Billy was a founding member of United Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He truly loved his Lord and his family. He was retired after over three decades of dedicated service as a job-site superintendent with Roebuck Buildings Company. He treasured the time that he spent with his family and friends and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Left to cherish Billy’s wonderful memories are his loving wife of 57 years, Brenda Cox Willard; his treasured children, William Claude Willard III (Melissa) and Christy Willard Potts (Kevin); four precious grandsons, Zane William Willard (Shelby), Charles William Potts (Anya), Joshua Luke Potts, and Creeden Cox Willard as well as many cousins and friends.

A funeral service to honor Billy’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service, starting at 12:00 PM. He will be laid to rest in a private family burial in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for memorials, in lieu of flowers, made to the Spartanburg Humane Society.

Billy will continue to live in the hearts of his family and friends.

The arrangements are trusted to the care of Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel.