WILLIS – Samuel Christ, 91, Georgetown, Ohio, formerly of Johnstown, went home to be with the Lord Monday, March 23, 2015. Born Feb. 16, 1924, son of the late Samuel and Maggie W. (Perry) Willis. Preceded in death by loving wife of 55 years, Irene W. Willis (Yates); grandson, Michael Willis; great-grandson, Aaron Willis; brother, Rudolph Willis; and sisters, Gloria Walton, Ruby Brandon, Corabell Hardison, Naomi Spears and Dorothy Lee. Survived by devoted son, Samuel K. Willis (Cynthia), West Chester, Ohio; grandson, Eric Willis, Miamisburg, Ohio; granddaughter, Michelle Coleman (Mack), Waldorf, Md.; great-grandchildren, Ashley Coleman, Breauna Coleman, Mack Coleman III and Grayson Willis; and great-great-grandchild, Tyler Coleman. Also survived by sisters, Peggy Johnson, Vera Willis, Barbara Willis and Victoria Shipman; faithful family members; cousin, Evelyn Banks; niece, Annetta Willis; loving friends, Ray and Gertrude Choka; and a host of nieces and nephews are left to mourn his loss. A World War II veteran, honorable discharge, U.S. Navy in 1946. Sam was a praying man with a strong faith in God. Member of Jefferson Memorial Church, where he served as deacon under Bishop Joseph McGauley. Prior to joining Jefferson Memorial, he was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church, having served on the Layman’s Council of United Methodist Church’s Pittsburgh District, and a past second vice president of Johnstown Branch NAACP. Sam retired from Bethlehem Steel Corp., Wire Mill Division. He was a man of style, always a gentleman, known for his hats. Sam enjoyed spending time with his family, collecting a variety of wrist watches, eating and sleeping. He loved to give gifts. His happiest times were vacationing in Virginia with family. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. until time of service at noon Monday at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary Inc., 921 Menoher Blvd., the Rev. Calvin McCray, officiating. Interment, Grandview Cemetery, with full military rites courtesy of Conemaugh Valley Detachment 287 Marine Corps League. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fla. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601. Condolences and memorial tributes can be made at PTBMortuary.com.

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat
March 27, 2015