Willard Hare, 98 of Freeport, Florida passed way November 8, 2025, at Sodalis Senior Living Facility in DeFuniak Springs, Florida surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 30, 1927, in Bruce, Florida, the son of John and Sarah Hare. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in Korea, having received the World War II victory medal. Willard enjoyed fishing and hunting with family members. In his later years he loved to watch squirrels and birds out of his window while eating a bowl of ice cream.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Fayla; two sisters Ila Caswell and Johnnie McCormick; one brother Willie Hare; and his precious poodles Amy and Joy.
Willard is survived by one daughter, Dianne Simmons and husband Wayne; one son Dale Hare; two stepdaughters Ann Caudill and husband Lloyd and Minerva Reddick. One grandson, Allen Wayne Mitchell; one granddaughter, Shanna Munselle; two great granddaughters Jennifer Lockwood and Emily Simmons; one great grandson Wayne Mitchell; one sister, Willie Mae McCormick. He also leaves behind numerous family member who loved him dearly.
The family of Willard Hare wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Sodalis Senior Living in DeFuniak Springs, Florida and Gentiva Hospice of DeFuniak Springs, Florida for the exceptional care and compassion they showed by treating him like their own family. A special thank you to Maria Whitehurst, Tera Glenn and Nancy Caudill for helping Willard in his greatest time of need.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gentiva Hospice in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Please direct donations to the local branch and donations will be sent to the Gentiva Foundation (Gentiva Hospice 732 Baldwin Avenue Suite A, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435) website: https://www.gentivahs.com/
Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Hatcher Cemetery; 8 Hatcher Cemetery Rd, Freeport, FL 32439; with Reverend Joel Glenn officiating and with military honors by the United States Army.
Burial will be held at Hatcher Cemetery.
