Gilbert Rhodes Willard, 74, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023 in Kinston, North Carolina after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Bertie County, North Carolina to William Charles Willard and Flora Mason White Willard on April 19, 1948. In his earlier years, he was a truck driver, traveling all over the United States and Canada. He then became a transportation broker, eventually working for the past thirty years as an auctioneer and a dealer of antiques and fine furnishings. He loved fishing and watching pro wrestling, but he really enjoyed his time meeting and greeting with the general public.

He leaves to cherish his memory his life partner of 32 years, Candace Skinner, of Kinston, NC; his children, Rusty Willard of Denton, Texas, Dawn Barksdale of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, Timmy Willard of Vanceboro, North Carolina, and D.J. Willard of Jacksonville, Florida; two stepchildren, Jason Skinner of Tallahassee, Florida and Holly Skinner Humphrey of Winter Springs, Florida; grandchildren, Cory Putnam, Ryan Barksdale, Hanna Willard Spears, and Samuel Willard; several beloved great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy Hoggard, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Gilbert was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Willard, and two sisters, Etta Hoggard and Mary Nichols.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Gordon Street Christian Church, 118 East Gordon Street, Kinston, North Carolina 28501. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m.