O.C. came from a poverty stricken family. He had to quit school after the 3rd grade because his family couldn't afford to buy him shoes. His struggles never stopped him from becoming a Strong Man that was able to provide for his family and children. His hard work enabled him to purchase land and a home to raise several children and grandchildren in. He did several odd jobs in his younger years, such as: cotton picking and farming before getting a "career job" at Maytag. He would always help a family member or friend in need without question. He was full of "old times" stories that would inspire your imagination. He is greatly missed and appreciated for his hard work. Thank you Papaw! We love and miss you.
O.C. Willis, 78, of Cleveland passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2002, in an Athens nursing facility.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Willis.
He was of the Baptist Faith.
He retired from Maytag with more than 35 years of service.
Survivors include five sons: Ronald Willis of Charleston, Paul Willis and Frank Willis, both of Cleveland, Harvey Willis of Dalton, GA., and Roy Johnson of North Carolina; six daughters: Dorothy Buckner, Flossie Thomas and Ruby Oden, all of Cleveland, Doris Cross of Decatur and Judy Young and Kathleen Officer, both of Dalton; 46 Grandchildren; and several Great Grandchildren.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11am. Saturday at the Wildwood Chapel of Buckner-Rush Funeral Homes with the Rev. Grady Simpson officiating. Interment will be in Samples Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery.
The Family will receive friends from 5 to 9 this evening and all day Friday at the funeral home.
O.C. Willis, 78, of Cleveland passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2002, in an Athens nursing facility.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Willis.
He was of the Baptist Faith.
He retired from Maytag with more than 35 years of service.
Survivors include five sons: Ronald Willis of Charleston, Paul Willis and Frank Willis, both of Cleveland, Harvey Willis of Dalton, GA., and Roy Johnson of North Carolina; six daughters: Dorothy Buckner, Flossie Thomas and Ruby Oden, all of Cleveland, Doris Cross of Decatur and Judy Young and Kathleen Officer, both of Dalton; 46 Grandchildren; and several Great Grandchildren.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11am. Saturday at the Wildwood Chapel of Buckner-Rush Funeral Homes with the Rev. Grady Simpson officiating. Interment will be in Samples Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery.
The Family will receive friends from 5 to 9 this evening and all day Friday at the funeral home.
O.C. came from a poverty stricken family. He had to quit school after the 3rd grade because his family couldn't afford to buy him shoes. His struggles never stopped him from becoming a Strong Man that was able to provide for his family and children. His hard work enabled him to purchase land and a home to raise several children and grandchildren in. He did several odd jobs in his younger years, such as: cotton picking and farming before getting a "career job" at Maytag. He would always help a family member or friend in need without question. He was full of "old times" stories that would inspire your imagination. He is greatly missed and appreciated for his hard work. Thank you Papaw! We love and miss you.
O.C. Willis, 78, of Cleveland passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2002, in an Athens nursing facility.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Willis.
He was of the Baptist Faith.
He retired from Maytag with more than 35 years of service.
Survivors include five sons: Ronald Willis of Charleston, Paul Willis and Frank Willis, both of Cleveland, Harvey Willis of Dalton, GA., and Roy Johnson of North Carolina; six daughters: Dorothy Buckner, Flossie Thomas and Ruby Oden, all of Cleveland, Doris Cross of Decatur and Judy Young and Kathleen Officer, both of Dalton; 46 Grandchildren; and several Great Grandchildren.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11am. Saturday at the Wildwood Chapel of Buckner-Rush Funeral Homes with the Rev. Grady Simpson officiating. Interment will be in Samples Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery.
The Family will receive friends from 5 to 9 this evening and all day Friday at the funeral home.
O.C. Willis, 78, of Cleveland passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2002, in an Athens nursing facility.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Willis.
He was of the Baptist Faith.
He retired from Maytag with more than 35 years of service.
Survivors include five sons: Ronald Willis of Charleston, Paul Willis and Frank Willis, both of Cleveland, Harvey Willis of Dalton, GA., and Roy Johnson of North Carolina; six daughters: Dorothy Buckner, Flossie Thomas and Ruby Oden, all of Cleveland, Doris Cross of Decatur and Judy Young and Kathleen Officer, both of Dalton; 46 Grandchildren; and several Great Grandchildren.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11am. Saturday at the Wildwood Chapel of Buckner-Rush Funeral Homes with the Rev. Grady Simpson officiating. Interment will be in Samples Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery.
The Family will receive friends from 5 to 9 this evening and all day Friday at the funeral home.
