Charles Henry Willard

Charles H. (Jack) Willard, age 85, of Stevensville, MD passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2010, at his home on Kent Point. Beloved husband of Hazel G. Willard for 63 years, loving father of 7 children: Brian Willard, Jack Willard, Mark Willard, Melvin Willard, Denise Willard Bridgeman, Sarah Willard Draughon, and Jeannie Willard Davis. Devoted grandfather of 28 and great grandfather of 42. He was born March 18, 1924, in Frederick, MD to the late William Burke Willard and Lillian Rowena Engelbrecht. He is survived by 4 sisters and 2 brothers: Mildred Hankey, Helen Patton, William Willard, Jeannette Seigert, Avalon Berkebile, and Daniel Willard, as well as 11 nieces and nephews. He graduated from Frederick High School in 1942. Jack served in the European Theater of WWII in the Reconnaissance Platoon of the 37th Tank Battalion, Fourth Armored Division. He received a Purple Heart, the Distinguished Unit Badge, and 4 battle stars for service in the European Campaigns, the final campaign being the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded in the right shoulder on Friday, April 13, 1943 in Czechoslovakia. Jack returned to join his Uncle Dan Willard’s distribution business, Metropolitan Poultry Company, located on E Street SW in Washington, D.C. Jack learned the business from the ground up: selling chicken, driving trucks, and working on the loading dock. During this time he met his future wife, Hazel Gene Howard, his contact for Metropolitan’s account with Walter Reed Commissary. Wanting to meet her face to face, Jack brought her the penny he “owed” her, marking the beginning of a long and loving relationship. They were married April 13, 1946. As Metropolitan grew, so did Jack’s responsibilities. He eventually purchased controlling interest in the thriving business, becoming president of the company for the next 20 years and serving as Chairman of the Board for 30 years, until his death. Jack loved nature and was an avid sportsman and golf player. He belonged to the Society of Seniors Golf Association and was a lifetime member to Argyle Country Club. With all these accomplishments, however, Jack was best known for his good heart and quick wit. It was said of him that he “never met a stranger.” When asked what he would say to his family’s future generations, he replied that they should “behave themselves and work hard.” Services for Charles H. Willard will be held privately. The family requests cards of condolences be mailed to: Metropolitan Poultry Co., 1920 Stanford Court, Landover, MD 20785. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Hospice of Queen Anne’s County, 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617. Online condolences may be made at www.fhnfuneralhome.com Arrangements by FHN-Chester, 106 Shamrock Road, Chester, MD 21619, 410-643-2226.

Charles Henry Willard

March 18, 1924 - January 24, 2010