Happy 100th Birthday to Naperville Art League Member, Willard R. Smith III

Naperville Art League, 508 N. Center Street in Naperville, IL celebrates long-time member Willard R. Smith III who turned 100 on February 1, 2026. According to local news reports, a commemorative party was held at Tabor Hills Healthcare facility in Naperville, and a Certificate of Recognition was presented by Naperville Mayor, Scott Wehrli.

Willard’s NAL membership spans decades. We are pleased to acknowledge his contributions to the arts.

Willard is a WWII veteran, having served in the Army artillery. At the age of 18, Willard was among those brave soldiers who fought in the Battle of Luzon, a battle that was crucial to the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation and paved the way for the defeat of Japan. During the war he was stationed for a while in New Guinea, where he learned jewelry-making in his spare time to make a little extra money. After the war, Willard attended University of Wisconsin and went on to become an art teacher and taught “just about every kind of art” he said.

He taught Elementary, Jr. High and High School levels and moved on to teach at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL for 25 years. His first wife, Joan, passed away. He later married Joyce, who is now 97.

Looking back over 100 years, Willard touched many lives. We thank him for sharing his love of art and for his involvement in the Naperville Art League.

Willard R. Smith III also participated in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project Collection audio interview where his life stories can be heard.

Other references: CBS News, Willard Smith Universal NewsReel, CNN)