Bill Don Willard, son of Don Northrip and Ruby Virginia Evans Willard, was born July 29, 1930, near Sleeper, Missouri.
He was born and raised in the Sleeper community and graduated from Stoutland High School in 1947.
On August 15, 1949 he was united in marriage with Louise Irene Potter. They settled in Sleeper Mo. To this union 7 children were born, 3 sons Bradley, Billy, and David Willard, four daughters Mary, Candace, Susan and Kim Willard
A longtime active member of Sleeper United Methodist Church.
Bill worked in Texas for a few years in the pipeline, but returned to his Missouri roots. He began working in excavation business and in 1973 founded Willard Asphalt and Willard Quarries. In 1978 he established Lebanon Ready Mix.
Following his interest in racing, he founded the Lebanon I-44 speedway in 1982 and Speedway USA in Bolivar in 1988. In the fall of 1988 he paved Lebanon I-44 Speedway and had his first asphalt race in the spring of 1989.
He belonged to the NASCAR association and the Missouri Limestone association, and served on the Board of Directors at Central Bank for several years.
Bill enjoyed racing, outdoors, bird watching, working on the farm and operating a grader. His family was very important to him and he greatly enjoyed his grandchildren.
Racing was a part of his life and he enjoyed being a part of the action as well as watching. He has passed on his love of racing to his grandson Brennon Willard.