Thomas Gerald Willard

Thomas Gerald Willard, 84, of Umatilla, Florida, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Born and raised in Mississippi, he moved to Florida in the 1950's with his family. Tom was a self made nursery and greenhouse operator. He loved horticulture and working with plants. He had developed a miniature orange tree for use as bonsai specimens. Tom was very knowledgeable of plants and could name them all while hiking the trails. He also enjoyed playing his guitar and singing with his brothers. Tom is survived by his Wife, Virginia Willard of Umatilla, FL; Sons, Timothy Willard of Bradenton, FL and Thomas "Guy" Willard of Tennessee; Daughters, Kathy Ross of Bradenton, FL and Regina Haggard of Kentucky; Brother, James"Jimmy" Willard of Leesburg, FL; Sister, Faye Messer of Umatilla, Florida, and by numerous Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, extended family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM at The First Baptist Church, 25145 Fisherman's Road, Paisley, Florida 32767. Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, Florida.