Wilson Little Funeral Home
Purcell-Newcastle, McClain Co., OK
(permission granted)

Posted by: Jo Aguirre

Dr. Willard M. Smith, 97, of Rock Island, IL passed away on March 15, 2023 at Genesis East Medical Center. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 30, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, OK.

Willard was born on December 27, 1925 in Blanchard, Ok to William and Rachael (Hail) Smith. Willard proudly served in the Army Reserves. He graduated from Oklahoma State University - where he spent one week on the college football team before deciding his time was better spent in the classroom. He graduated in 1949 and became a graduate of Palmer Chiropractic in 1960 where he became part of the faculty for 40 years. Willard was a member of Palmer Alumni, Christian Chiropractors, Illinois Prairie State Chiropractors Association, Gideon’s and New Life Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening and travel on mission trips to Brazil, Bolivia, Haiti, Jamaica, Russia, Romania and Australia. He dedicated much of his life to building two churches, first, Hillcrest Baptist Church, followed by New Life Baptist Church. He played central roles in the construction of new buildings at both churches and taught Sunday School for many years.

Survivors include his daughter, Joyce (Herman) Grubbs of Davenport; eight grandchildren, Trula Hensler, Steven Grubbs, Shannon Butcher, Bradley Tanner, Darrin Tanner, Dr. Amy Tanner, Rhoda Skinner and Jason Tanner; nineteen great grandchildren; sixteen great-great grandchildren, one sister, Barbara Thomas and his sister-in-law, Eileen (Dale) Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Smith and Rachael Hail, wife, Marguerite, one sister, Jean and four brothers, CR Smith, Doyle, John and Dale and his daughter, Trula.

Memorials may be left to Palmer Chiropractic School Fund or Gideon’s Purse. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com.