Jimmy Willis

Jimmy Ray Willis, born August 6, 1931, passed from this life on Monday at the age of 85. He was in the Marines and served in the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He worked at Lafe School as coach, principal, and teacher and then at Oak Grove as high school principal. Jimmy enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, and watching Cardinal baseball. He was preceded in death by his parents Bertrum and Bessie Orr Willis; brothers, Bill Willis and Jerry Willis; sister, Gay Thomas; and granddaughter, Brandi Willis.

He is survived by his wife Charlotte Ann Willis of 58 years; son, MarkWillis; daughter, Melissa DeFries; sister, Sandra Thiel; grandchildren, Rachael Clonts, Chris Willis, Zachary Reeves and Gracie Willis; great grandchildren, Connor Curtis, Noa Willis, and Miles Clonts; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday 6-8 pm at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral will be Thursday at 10:00 AM at Heath Colonial Chapel with Pastor Aaron Neugebauer officiating. The pallbearers are Ronald Cannon, Nick Quintana, Larry Willis, Tony Thiel, Terry Turman, and Wade Willis. Burial will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery.