WILLIS, Clayton C. Sr. Age 82, of Hamilton, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at The Knolls of Oxford. Born in Sunburst, North Carolina, on May 19, 1923, he was the son of the late Dal and Elizabeth (Vaughn) Willis. He was a graduate of Ashland Senior High School and Indiana University. On February 7, 1948, Clayton married his wife of over 35 years Lucille Marion Augustine and she preceded him in death on June 24, 1984. He was co-owner of Willis Shoe Bar retiring in 1985 and prior to that he was an underwriter for Ohio Casualty. Clayton was a US Army Veteran serving during WWII. He was an avid photographer and a devoted family man to his children and grandchildren. The loss of the love of his life Lucy diminished his will and strength, but his love and compassion for his family and friends remained strong in his heart. Clayton is survived by his children: Marion Billings and her husband Richard of Hamilton, James King and his wife Margaret of Connersville, Indiana, Steve Willis and his wife Shelly, Debbie Schneider and her husband Stan, Clay Willis Jr. and his wife Cathy, Susie Thomas and her husband AJ, all of Hamilton; twenty-one grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Clayton was also preceded in death by two brothers Lymon and Dal Willis, Jr. Funeral services will be held at Webb Noonan Funeral Home, Ross Avenue at South "D" Street, Hamilton at 10am on Saturday, December 3, 2005. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9-10am at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions to Vitas Hospice, 11500 North Lake Dr, Suite 400, Cincinnati, OH 45249 and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3095. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the caring staff of The Knolls of Oxford who cared for him during the last year of his life. Sweet dreams to our dad, we're glad he's with our Mom.
Published in Journal-News on Dec. 1, 2005