William John Willis, Sr., 96, died Tuesday, June 19, 2018. A native of Epes, Alabama, he was the son of the late Walter Lee Willis and Mamie Armistead Willis. Mr. Willis was also preceded in death by the mother of his four children, Mary Claire Burns Willis, son William John Willis, Jr. and brother, Walter Lee Willis. Following graduation from Auburn University, William entered the US Navy and served during WWII. He retired from Westinghouse after 40 years. William loved the outdoors where he enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. In his later years, he enjoyed studying and investing in the stock market. He was a long time member of Covenant Presbyterian; active with the Boy Scouts and Meals on Wheels. During his 13 years in San Antonio with his late second wife Linnelle Greenhill Willis, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his three daughters: Martha Leigh Willis of Watkinsville, Nancy Claire Willis of Athens and Catherine Burns Willis (Mike) Oliver of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren: Niki (Philip) Verrastro of Bogart, Hannah Ruth Oliver (Tom) Turner of South Korea, Emily Britton Oliver of Portland, OR, Claire Ellen Oliver of Birmingham, AL and his precious great grandsons: Gavin Anthony Verrastro and Levi William Verrastro. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 10am at Lord and Stephens West Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels.
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