Carol Kay Willard

Carol Kay Willard, beloved wife, mother, and “Mimi”

Carol Kay Willard (née Anderson), age 84, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, in Inverness, Florida, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Kay was surrounded by loved ones in her final days, leaving behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and unwavering love.

Born on January 31, 1941, in Tampa, Florida, Kay was the daughter of Clyde Dalice and Carolyn Nell (Gassett) Anderson. She grew up in Zephyrhills, Florida, where she spent a lot of time at the Peni Saver Grocery Store, owned by her parents. She graduated from Zephyrhills High School in 1957, a year ahead of her class, which officially graduated in 1958.

Kay’s career reflected her versatility and determination. From her early work in bookkeeping to managing a doctor’s office and a title business, her talents led her to become the Membership Director for the Tampa Hillsborough Convention & Visitors Association and later as the Membership Director for the Polk County Museum of Art in Lakeland.

In the most selfless chapter of her life, Kay and her beloved husband of 49 years, Dick E. Willard, opened their hearts and home as medical foster parents. Together, they cared for numerous children with special medical needs—some from birth through age five—helping them find adoptive families or raising them as their own during critical times. Their home became a haven of healing and love for many young lives.

After serving as foster parents, Kay and Dick became involved in church ministries, where they found fulfillment and lifelong friends. Kay was a woman of faith and believed in honesty above all else.

Kay was also deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her husband, Dick E. Willard and three daughters—Paige L. Wallace (Wayne) of Dover, FL; Beth K. Hayes (Bryan) of Bonita Springs, FL; and Liza N. Whitehead (David) of Citrus Springs, FL—who she raised to be strong, independent women that always knew they had her unconditional love and support. To her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Mimi.” She is survived by nineteen grandchildren: M. Blake, Hannah E., Mark J., Michaela G., Abigail P., Caroline A., Isaiah A., Lydia J., Christiana F., Malachi J., Mariah M., and Emma H. Wallace; Lane and Deanna Kersey; Kyle, Austin, and Clayton Whitehead; and Matthew and Adam Hayes—as well as fourteen great-grandchildren, who brought joy to her later years. As an only child, Kay truly cherished family visits and especially loved seeing her grandchildren.

Though she endured the heartbreaking loss of two grandsons—Landon Wayne Wallace and Andrew Charles Wallace—Kay carried their memory with grace.

A woman of many creative passions, Kay always kept a beautifully decorated home. She was an avid genealogist long before digital tools made research easier. She and Dick traveled extensively to courthouses, libraries, and cemeteries in search of ancestral stories—piecing together family histories with curiosity and a conscientious care for accuracy. In her seventies and eighties, quilting became another cherished pursuit. Her creativity and style resulted in several beautiful quilts—including one that earned first place at the Citrus County Fair.

Even as Alzheimer’s gradually took its toll over more than a decade, Kay lived each day with resilience and joy. She pulled weeds from her yard, enjoyed singing the old hymns, and danced to her favorite songs from the fifties—embracing life fully, even on its hardest days.

Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but those who knew Kay will carry forward the lessons she taught: to love fiercely, give generously, work diligently, and never stop seeking beauty in everyday moments.

A private family memorial will be held at a later time. Chas. E. Davis Funeral home with Crematory is assisting with arrangements.