Will Garland Willett, 76, passed away peacefully at his home on June 5, 2026. Born on October 13, 1949, in Tyler, Texas, Garland was the beloved son of Will Earnest Willett and Adelle Marie Pareya Willett.

Garland graduated from John Tyler High School in 1967 and continued his education at Tyler Junior College, earning an Associate Degree. His passion for learning led him to Stephen F. Austin State University, where he earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Math and Botany. During his time at SFA, he was an active member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, forming friendships and memories that lasted throughout his life.

After completing his education, Garland found his calling in education, spending more than two decades teaching Biology and Math at Gladewater and Pine Tree High Schools. Garland had a gift for making complex subjects understandable and for encouraging his students to believe in themselves.

Garland also worked as a lab analyst for Texas Eastman leaving after many years of dedicated service to return to and retire from his passion of teaching Science at Gladewater Middle School where he continued to share his knowledge and passion for learning with a new generation of students.

Garland found joy in the outdoors. He was an adventurer at heart, and when his health allowed, he and his beloved wife Shirley could often be found exploring the open road together with friends on their motorcycle, creating memories and enjoying the freedom of the journey. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and searching for Native American artifacts, appreciating both the beauty of nature and the stories of the past.

Of all the roles Garland filled in life, none brought him greater pride than being a husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished time spent with his family and especially treasured moments with his grandchildren. Whether sharing stories, offering guidance, or simply enjoying their company, he made each grandchild feel deeply loved and valued.

Words cannot fully express how much Garland was loved or how generously he gave that love in return. He met life head-on possessing a quiet strength, patience, and genuine kindness. Family and friends knew they could depend on him for wisdom, encouragement, and a steady presence through life's challenges. His warm smile and sense of humor, thoughtful nature, and enduring love will be remembered and treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him. There was rarely a dull moment when Garland was present as he always had a story to tell that kept you engaged until the very end. Garland would tell you not to make a fuss over him, and for those that wish, to crack open one more cold one for him!

Garland was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Larry Willett.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Shirley Willett; his sons, Michael Willett and wife Cassie, and Nichlas Willett and wife Laura; and his cherished grandchildren, Hunter, Hudson, Cambrie, and Case, all of whom brought immeasurable joy to his life.

Arrangements are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. A memorial service celebrating Garland’s life will be held on July 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Gladewater Former Students Building.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Garland’s honor to the Gladewater Former Students Association or the Texas Oncology Foundation.

Gladewater Former Students Association

GFSA

P.O. Box 1425

Gladewater, TX 75647

https://gladewaterformerstudents.com

Texas Oncology Foundation

Texas Oncology Foundation

PO Box 515013

Dallas, TX 75251

https://texasoncologyfoundation.org