Gerald Edward Willard

Gerald Edward Willard obituary, Rockwood, TN

Gerald Edward Willard

Gerald Willard Obituary

Visit the Evans Mortuary website to view the full obituary.

Mr. Gerald Edward Willard, age 80 of Rockwood, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He was born on August 22, 1945, in Scott County. Mr. Willard was U.S. Marine Corp. veteran. He proudly served and loved his country. He worked for many years with Norfolk Southern before retiring. In his retirement, he found joy in swimming, dancing, and serving within the church at First Baptist Church of Rockwood, where he was a member and served with the kitchen staff on Wednesday nights for community meals. He was also treasurer of the Rockwood Knights of Pythias and Post Commander of the American Legion. He proudly served the veterans of Roane County and surrounding areas as a part of the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard, paying tribute to those who were called home. He is preceded in death by his parents: James M Willard & Alice West Willard; wife: Brenda Cook Willard; son: Wayne Willard; and granddaughter: Alice Willard. He is survived by:

Children: Deborah Kay Perry, Angela Brown Sebestyen (Danny), and Eddy Willard

Grandchildren: Ricky Gazaway, Chase Perry, Marin Sebestyen, Coleman Sebestyen, Brandon Willard, Dillon Willard, Sam Willard, and Travis Willard

several great grandchildren

Siblings: Terry Willard (Bronna), Lee Willard (Beverly), Jenni Kelly (Dennis), Jim Willard (Amy), Janice Nieman (Joe), and David Willard (Donna)

along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 11:00am-1:00pm ET at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 with Pastor Drew Stockton officiating. Graveside and interment services will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood with full military honors presented by the U.S. Marine Corp. Honor Guard and the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. Gerald Edward Willard. 

View All Photos

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Evans Mortuary

805 North Gateway Avenue P.O. Box 6, Rockwood, TN 37854

Make a Donation
in Gerald Willard's name

How to support Gerald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Gerald Willard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more