Willard Harvey Lance

Willard Harvey Lance, 81, of Washington, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at At Home Senior Living in Thomson, Georgia.

Born on May 28, 1945, in Washington, Georgia, Willard was the son of the late Boyce Patterson Lance and Sara Bell Lance. He lived a life devoted to his family, his faith, his students, and his community.

Willard earned both his Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy and his Master’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia. He dedicated 38 years of his career to teaching chemistry at Washington-Wilkes High School, where he shared his love of science and learning with generations of students. Through his dedication as an educator, he touched countless young lives and left a lasting impact on his students and community.

A man of strong faith and a heart for service, Willard was an active member of The Gideons International, the Cattlemen’s Association, and the Washington Lions Club. Farming was also an important part of Willard’s life. He spent many years farming both land and cattle and took great pride in caring for his farm. He also enjoyed raising beagles, another special part of the life he loved.

Willard is survived by his children, Laura Foxworth of Washington, Georgia; James Lance and his wife, Keeley, of Grovetown, Georgia; and Elizabeth Conway and her husband, Chris, of Athens, Georgia. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Andrew Lance, Allen Lance, Cooper Lance, and Addy Grace Lance. He is also survived by several cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue Johnson Lance; his son-in-law, Charles Foxworth; and his siblings, Boyce Lance Jr., Chris Lance, Clarence Lance, Guy Lance, John Lance, and Sara Ann Dees.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Hopkins Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Washington First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Clifford’s Grove Baptist Church, 3678 Lundburg Road, Washington, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International at https://gideons.org/donate or mailed to Benji McAvoy, 444 Wrightsboro Road, Washington, GA 30673. Donations may also be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at https://www.imb.org/generosity/lottie-moon-christmas-offering.

Willard will be remembered for his devotion to his family and faith, his many years of service to his students and community, and his love of farming, raising cattle, and his beagles. His influence will live on through the many lives he touched.

Hopkins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Willard Harvey Lance.