Dr. Willman was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended the University of Kentucky for both his undergraduate work and medical school from 1964 to 1972. He completed his internship and residency at St. Louis University from 1972 to 1976. Dr. Willman is an assistant clinical professor at St. Louis University and was on the full-time staff from 1976 to 1978. He has been in private practice in Otolaryngology since 1978.

Professional organizations that he participates in are: Fellow in the American College of Surgeons; The American Medical Association; Missouri State Medical Society; St. Charles-Lincoln County Medical Society, President, 2003; American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Missouri Society of Otolaryngology; the St. Louis Ear Nose and Throat Club; and, past Chief of Surgery, St. Joseph Health Center.

Dr. Willman's civic activities include: Assistant scout master and troop treasurer, 10 years, Troop 496, Mason Ridge; Police Commissioner in the City of Town and Country; Past president of Barrington Homeowners Association; Assistant Reserve Supervisor, 20 years of service, St. Louis County Police, Second District; CPR instructor for the American Heart Association; and, first aid instructor for the American Red Cross.

The hobbies that Dr. Willman enjoys are snow skiing, driving a 1969 red Corvette, visiting presidential libraries, museums and other related sites throughout the country, collecting books about presidents and authored by presidents to add to his extensive presidential library, and logging hours as a private pilot while completing his instrument rating. He is also a colonel in the Confederate Air Force.

Dr. Willman and his wife, Linda, have been married since 1969 and have three children: Heather, Stephanie and Michael.