Dwayne Willard

Dwayne Willard of Morenci, Arizona passed away on February 16th, 2012. 2 Corinthians 5:8 says, We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Dwayne is survived by his wife of 44 years Linda Willard, daughter Pamela Willard, son David Willard, sister Beverly Knight and his four grandchildren, Georgia, Savannah, Oran, and Truman. Dwayne was born April 29, 1941 in Ada, Oklahoma and as a child moved with his parents to Hayden, Arizona where he excelled in school and athletics becoming an all-state baseball player. After high school, he went on the University or Arizona in Tucson and played baseball his freshman year for the legendary baseball coach Frank Sancet before a shoulder injury stopped his career from advancing further. He concentrated on his school and desired to major in engineering. However, because of his avid love of the outdoors and hunting, he changed his major from engineering to education for reasons he later mentioned as teaching gave me the summers off to devote to hunting and fishing. After finishing his Bachelors degree at the University of Arizona, Dwayne was hired by Morenci Public Schools and a long-lasting friendships with many teachers were created. As Dwayne would say to his friends and family, Some the local teachers agreed to show me the best hunting and fishing spots and I agreed to be one of the best teachers, coaches, and activity drivers in the district. Little did they know I got the better deal! Dwayne helped coach several state championship teams during his time coaching basketball, baseball, and track. In the summers following his employment in Morenci, Dwayne completed a Masters Degree in education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona and had 45 credit hours towards his doctorate degree. Dwayne loved taking his family on jeep outings, fishing trips, and camping trips. Some of Linda, Pam, and Davids fondest memories are the weeks spent along Eagle Creek or in the White Mountains along Black River and at Big Lake recreation area. Additionally, because of his zest and zeal for life, he and other teachers from Morenci formed as loose-knit fishing, hunting, and Jeep club that was active for over four decades and continues on today. Dwayne was a member or the Morenci Lions Club for many years and enjoyed working on community service projects and helping anyone that was in need. Always known for his big smile and his gregarious laugh he brought joy and happiness to everyone his met with his puns and jokes. It was said his laughter filled the halls of Morenci High School. His joy and laughter were contagious and his quick wit will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers please give a donation in the name of Dwayne Willard to either: 1. Morenci Assemblies of God Church 2. Morenci Lions Club 3. Tucson Trap and Skeet club as his grand children continue his love of shooting sports Memorial Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the New Life City Church, with Pastor Tim McCain officiating.