Obituary of Jackie Eugene Willyard

Jackie Eugene Willyard May 21, 1937 - May 07, 2017 Jackie “Jack” Eugene Willyard , 79, of Lovington, NM passed away in Lubbock, TX on May 7, 2017. Cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. Mr. Willyard was born on May 21, 1937 in Glazier, Texas to Frank and Cleo (Derrick) Willyard . He grew up and attended school in Lovington. On February 13, 1960, he married Jo McClish in Carlsbad, NM and in August of 1960 joined the US Army where he served for six years. He returned to Lovington after his stint in the service and he and Jo raised their children here. They enjoyed taking their family to Bottomless Lakes and to rodeos and always attended the Wildcat football games, especially when their boys were playing. Jack was an avid supporter of the wildcats and always listened or attended the Wildcat games. He also enjoyed wrestling, and watching the Cowboys play football. He was employed by Fannie E. Mitchell I & W and Gandys’ during his working years. One of his favorite things to do in recent years was visiting and drinking coffee with his friends. He loved his family and his grandchildren and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two sons: Roger and Howard Willyard; two brothers: Tommy Lee and James Willyard and one grandson: Michael Cress. Surviving him are his daughter-in-law: Kristina Willyard of Lovington; his grandchildren: Theresa and husband Dustin Collins of Oklahoma; Joseph Nolan Willyard of Lovington and Annamarie Willyard of Lovington; great grandchildren: Autumn, Bryson, Allen, Carol Ann, Chenoa, Anaiah, Dusti, Toby and Zane; also nephew and wife James and Janice Willyard of Lovington and several other nieces and nephews and other extended family.