Willard was born on April 26, 1939, in Henderson, North Carolina, to the late Henry Harris and Blanche Gill Harris. He was the youngest of five children. Willard was preceded in death by siblings Andrew, Lillian, Myrtle, and Henry, who lovingly called him “Dug.”

At the age of 16, Willard moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he and his mother joined his sister Myrtle and her family. He quickly became like a big brother to his niece Sheryl and nephew Myron. Along with his niece and nephew Doris and Verdell, who lived across the street, they thought he was the coolest uncle ever because he drove a convertible sports car.

Willard graduated from John Hay High School and earned a scholarship to Central State University. He pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and successfully graduated from Central State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He taught at Mansfield Reformatory for 2 years before moving to Akron and enrolling at the University of Akron Law School. He earned the degree of Juris Doctor in 1972.

Afterward, he worked for the City of Akron Tax Department for several years before preparing for the bar exam. He successfully passed the Ohio bar exam in 1977.

In 1978, he married the love of his life, Frances Leonard, and they were married for 45 years. They moved to Cleveland, where his career path led him back to teaching. Willard taught for 30 years in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. His last 6 years were spent at South High School teaching Business Technology. He was well-liked by his students, who would often say, “You can find Mr. Harris in room 229, the sharp dresser.”

In 2004, Willard received the Cleveland Plain Dealer Crystal Apple award for being an outstanding teacher in the CMS school system. He retired in June 2004. Willard often attended Bethany Baptist Church. He loved fishing, cooking, watching TV, making horror movies, and listening to jazz and country music. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Frances, and his lifetime friend, Joseph Curtis Sr., nieces: Lillian (Larry) Lawson, Angie Thomas, Denise (Lee) Henderson, and Michele Harris, nephews: Vernell (Deborah) Day, Myron Gregory, Wayne Harris, Gregory (Elizabeth) Crudup, and Andrew Harris, and a host of great nieces, nephews, and cousins.