Aubrey K. Willard, age 72 of Murfreesboro, died Friday at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. He was the husband of the late Betty Lynn Patton Willard, and a son of the late Wiseman Madison and Aline Bragg Willard. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Patricia "Pat" Barkve; and brothers, Frank "Buddy" Willard, and James Willard.

Survivors include his children, Ken Willard of Woodbury, Leigh Willard, Jason Willard, Matthew Willard, Joseph Willard, all of Murfreesboro, and Tracey Adewale and Kakie Carpenter both of Tennessee; brothers, Sammy Willard of Murfreesboro, Wendell Willard of Rockvale; sisters, Emogene Bellenfant of Murfreesboro, and Margie Robinson and husband Stanley of Rockvale; grandchildren, Thomas Burgess, Casey Willard, Jacob Hale, Mickenna Hale, Jalyn Willard, Adalyn Willard, Jag Willard, and Kellin Willard.

Mr. Willard was a member of the Baptist Church, a Waffle House connoisseur, and an avid NASCAR fan. He was known for being plain spoken and having a gruff demeanor, however, it all served to hide his generosity and larger than life heart.

Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel and funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.  Burial will follow in Jones Hill Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

An online guestbook is available for the Willard family at www.woodfinchapel.com