Willard Francis Smith, the beloved son of George and Mary Ellen Roach Smith, went to be with the Lord on September 22, 2024. Willard was two years old when his father was sent to Germany in World War I and was killed. He and his five brothers and sisters were now raised by his mother alone without a father.

Willard grew up in Burlington and loved to attend class reunions at Burlington High School known as the "Amazing Class of 1947". He was the oldest member of the YMCA where he participated in swimming, nautilus, and aerobic exercises. In the summer he enjoyed golfing, bicycling, and watching the Burlington Cardinals, Vermont Reds, and Vermont Expos play baseball at Centennial Field. He loved baseball and even drove to Montreal to watch the Montreal Expos play.

Willard served in the Vermont National Guard from 1953 to 1983. He retired at the rank of Sgt. Major. He did his duty to serve his country in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Previous to that he was employed with the Chittenden County Trust Co. for 2 years.

Willard loved Jesus and seldom missed a Sunday at church. He attended the First United Methodist Church in Burlington where he served as captain of the ushers. He volunteered as a member of the Meals on Wheels program, Fish program driving people to appointments. Assisting the Methodist Movers driving folks when they moved and their furniture. He also served on the Joint UrbanMinistry Project and several other church committees and commissions.

Willard loved listening to Big Band Music and attended many musicals at the Flynn Theater.

In 1969 he had an interest in seeing some of the world. He traveled to Europe, Asia, So. America, and Mexico. His greatest adventure was a 15-day safari to Kenya, East Africa. He also went on several cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Alaska. Notable attractions in his travels were visiting the Sphynx the Great Pyramids of Egypt, The Taj Mahal of India, the Great Wall of China, and the Grand Canyon of the United States.

Willard is survived by his loving sister Shirley Mercia and her three children: son Kerry Lonergan, two daughters Kimberly Couch and Kathy-Jo Lonergan, 3 grandsons: Shannon Lonergan(Marie), Spencer Couch(Madeline), and Austin Couch. And many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Shirley's husband Len Mercia, brothers Ken Smith(Rita), and Bob Smith(Mary); sisters Irene Hams(Bob) and Dorothy Quaglietti(Carlo).

A celebration of Willard's life will take place on Saturday, November 2, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with a reception to follow in Fellowship Hall.

Donations in memory of Willard may be made to First United Methodist Church, 21 Buell St., Burlington, VT 05401, and Age Well, 875 Roosevelt HwySuite 210, Colchester, VT