World War II veteran Frank "Doc" Willard had more than 15 visitors at his Clarksville home last week in honor of his 104th birthday.

But first, Willard, a retired dentist, gave his visitors a teeth check-up.

Willard’s front yard on Friday morning was decorated with birthday signs and a balloon arch. Family, friends, neighbors and team members of Clarksville Fire and Rescue sang happy birthday on an intercom as they passed by.

Willard laughed as he told everyone that he was receiving birthday cards from people all over the state of Tennessee. Willard told The Leaf-Chronicle he has some of the best neighbors.

"They all have pretty teeth," he said, laughing. 

A childhood patient of 12 years also paid Willard a visit. 

"Dr. Willard was my dentist as a kid growing up," Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts said. "I remember very distinctly his office there on the corner of Madison Street and Cumberland Drive.

"It's exciting to still see him up and about. He is iconic," Pitts added. "We thank him for his service to our nation, but we also thank him for his service to our community." 

Pitts said Willard was his dentist from age 6 to 18.

Willard was a dentist in Clarksville for 34 years. Prior to dentistry, he served nine years in the military as an artillery soldier.

MORE: 103-year-old 'Doc' Willard honored with balloons, drive-by celebration

Long-time family friend Phil Harpel said from the Army to dentistry, Willard has seen so much in his 104 years of living.

"We ended up riding horses lots of Sunday afternoons with Doc and (late) Ms. Willard and potluck suppers once a month," Harpel said. "I think it's great to live that long and be as independent as he is."

Willard's son-in-law, Don Ammerman, said he has been a part of the family for over 40 years. He came from Florida to wish his father-in-law a happy birthday.

“I’ve loved having him as a father-in-law because I never knew what was going to happen next,” Ammerman said. "He's always been full of smiles. He is a profound educator and wants you to know about life. He wants you to treasure family." 

Over time, Willard has lost his hearing but that doesn't stop him.

"He will drag his office chair across the room in an effort to teach you something," Ammerman added.

If you need to ask Willard anything, just write it down. 

Local dentist Dr. Grace Lee organized Friday's birthday celebration. Lee considers Willard an adopted grandfather, as the two have a connection through dentistry. 

“He’s just a great person,” Lee said.

Lee told the Leaf-Chronicle that Willard gifted his 45-year-old dental instruments to her. She said she will cherish them as museum-worthy memorabilia.

Before leaving his porch, Willard had one last message to tell visitors.

"Take care of your teeth!"

Alexis Clark can be reached at aclark@gannett.com or 931-217-8519.