Everett Willard Obituary (1954 – 2021) – Westminster, SC

Willard, Everett
“ZB”
Christmas. August 13, 1954 29, 2021

Everett Glenvar “EG” Willard, Jr., Colonel, USAF (retired), age 67, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 29, 2021 while visiting his family in Myrtle Beach, SC. EG was a loving husband to Karen, a proud father to Ashley, an older brother to Beth, and a very popular friend to so many people across the country.
EG was born on July 13, 1954 in Blacksburg, VA, to the late Everett G. and Elizabeth K. Willard.
A 1977 graduate of Virginia Tech, EG received his JD from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1982 and his Masters of Laws (LLM) from George Washington University Law School in 1994.
EG served his country in the United States Air Force, and upon retirement served as Chief, Environmental Law, Air Combat Command. Throughout his military career, EG moved rapidly through the ranks and earned “Below the Zone” promotions for his outstanding performance before retiring in 2004 after 22 years. In one of EG’s recent performance reports, a brigadier general wrote, “Best environmental attorney in the Air Force. Brilliant trial attorney … mentor a generation of our officers.”
After serving with the USAF, EG served for many years as Vice President for MWH Global in Federal Services and Division Manager, Federal Services at Atkins North America, Inc. A passionate supporter of fair play – in both life and golf – EG’s many clients (and friends) have never doubted having an avid lawyer and friend by their side.
Passion, golf, friendships and family were a natural foursome for EG. From his earliest days as a youth pecking around Blacksburg, EG had a limitless passion for golf. With an effortless swing that all viewers envious of, EG played the game with a dedication and respect reserved only for those who ate, breathed, and lived the game. He has collected numerous awards, trophies and honors, including playing on four Virginia State Championship golf teams while at VA Tech.
Although a talented golfer, EG showed friendliness and amazing patience with those struggling with the game, stating, “Golf is HARD!” He never hesitated to play with the high handicappers and gave tips on how to enjoy the game when asked. He especially enjoyed playing with his group “Loop Nuts” in Colorado and his “Blacksburg Boys” in Myrtle Beach.
EG met Karen while she was stationed at Langley AFB in Virginia. His friends knew that he had found a life partner who would take on his passion for golf and people, a companion who loved him and looked after him. They were married on October 22, 2005 in Myrtle Beach. EG’s nickname for Karen was “priceless” because he loved her beyond words. They mixed up their collective groups of friends and opened up new worlds for each other. They greeted all friends and neighbors in their home. The other woman in EG’s life was his daughter Ashley. To everyone who knew him, EG affectionately and proudly announced that his daughter was the smartest person he knew. “Let me tell you about Ashley,” began the update a proud dad gave his friends.
EG’s true legacy is the friendships he built and cultivated throughout his life and across the country, from childhood in Blacksburg, as a proud hokie, to law school at Ole Miss, his Air Force career, further career in Colorado and recently made friends at a second home in Florida. His death leaves a void in many lives.
In addition to his best friend and loving wife for 16 years, Karen Kipper Willard from Westminster, CO, his daughter S. Ashley Willard and his son-in-law Justin Mathis from Oxford, MS, EG, his sister Beth W Fife from Myrtle Beach, SC, leaves behind a nephew Rhett & Kyle Fife and beloved cousins. EG was recently pre-deceased by his brother-in-law, Tommy Fife. A well-played life is celebrated in Westminster, CO, overlooking a beautiful fairway. He will be buried with military burial honors at Arlington National Cemetery on January 10, 2022. In memory of EG, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund at www.JDRF.org, an organization whose research is of vital importance to Ashley.
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Published by the Denver Post on September 26, 2021.