Willard Middle School

The Willard family has deep roots in Celina, with generations calling it home. In 1889, R.L. Willard Sr. and his family moved to Celina from Murphreesboro, TN, eventually purchasing the original townsite of Old Celina. R.L. Sr. and his wife, Julia Burris, had five sons, three of whom raised their families in Celina, and his brother, Dr. James Willard, practiced medicine here. R.L. Willard Jr. later ran the Kimbell Elevator with Don T. Glendenning and his sons, Joe Frank and Jerry Bob, took over Willard Grain & Feed in 1958.

Joe Frank’s family included six children who attended Celina schools, while Jerry Bob’s family included two daughters who were instrumental in founding the Celina Education Foundation. Brenda, one of the daughters, also helped bring the Collin College campus to Celina, which named its library in her honor.

The Willard family has made lasting contributions to Celina, from supporting local schools and businesses to donating funds for the Bobcat fieldhouse and the first ambulance for the Fire Department. In the 1980s, Jerry Bob helped keep First State Bank locally owned, and after his passing, Jane became the primary stockholder. The bank grew to six branches before being sold in the 2000s.

In recognition of their lasting impact on the community, the Willard family was honored by having Celina ISD second middle school named after them. The Willard Middle School stands as a testament to their dedication to education and their contributions to the growth and success of Celina. The school embodies the family’s values of hard work, community involvement, and a commitment to future generations of students in Celina.