Willis Morse Wright, age 96, went to be with the Lord on August 7, 2016. Willis was born October 7, 1919 in Pike County, Kentucky to William McKinley Wright and Marieda Owens Wright. He graduated from Elkhorn City High School in 1937 as Salutatorian, and then went to Morehead State University. After college, Willis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country from 1939 to 1960, when he retired as a Captain in the Marines. Willis was a veteran of WWII, serving in Guam and Pacific, and a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. After his retirement from the military, Willis worked at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. in the engineering department until 1984. Willis married Grace Waddell in 1943 and cherished their 69 years of marriage and the family they made. They went to many recitals, ballgames, and high school and college graduations together. Together they kept a rose garden with 42 rose bushes. He did all the work and Grace would cut the roses. Willis always kept their yard in pristine condition. While in the service he was out of the country when 2 of his daughters were born. He always gave Grace the credit when someone would tell him, "he had 4 wonderful daughters." They were devoted spouses, parents and grandparents. Willis and Grace weren't only dedicated to each other and their family, but they were also dedicated to helping others. They delivered "Meals on Wheels" for many years and began a card ministry, where Willis always remembered friends and family for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, sympathy, graduations, and "Just Thinking of You" and "Praying for you" notes. He was a member of College Park Baptist Church since 1960 where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and on many committees. Willis was very proud of his service to his country. He was a member of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. While in the hospital, the medical staff, after finding out he was a veteran, would thank him for his service. His response was always, "My pleasure!" Willis was an avid baseball and basketball fan. His teams were the Atlanta Braves and the Carolina Tar Heels. At the age of 15, his father signed him up to play with "the big boys" in baseball. He played semi-pro baseball for 2 years throughout the state of Kentucky. Willis also played baseball and basketball with Marine teams while stationed in New Hampshire. He also loved to read constantly. His mind was like a steel trap, retaining even the smallest details that anyone else would just forget. Willis is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and siblings, Denis Wright and Ellen Beauchamp. He leaves behind four daughters, Gayle Hartgrove, Lynn (Steve) Boyles, Barbara (Don) Peiffer, and Kim (Charlie) Jones; grandchildren, Tracy (Carl) Lindner, Jody (Marcia) Boyles, Keri (Brad) Pettit, Ryan Hartgrove, Kathryn (Brad) Kelley, Brett (Erin) Peiffer, Byron (Allison) Peiffer, Taylor Jones, and Brooke Jones; great-grandchildren, Hayley, Jack, Trevor, Landry, Jake, Callen, Bowen, and Tate; brother, Millis (Doris) Wright; sister, Mae Jones; and many other family and loved ones. Willis loved his family and was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. The family is so grateful for the excellent care from the medical staff at Forsyth Memorial Hospital and Hospice Care. We are especially grateful also for the staff at Arbor Ridge Retirement where he has lived since 2011. He received such loving care from the CNA staff the last 3 days of his life. He loved all the staff there and considered them a part of his family. A Military Graveside Service will be held at Forsyth Memorial Park on Friday, August 12 at 11 am. A Memorial Service will follow at 1 pm at College Park Baptist Church. Pastor Ramon Smith will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends for a visitation following the Memorial Service. Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to College Park Baptist Church, 1701 Polo Rd, or Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane.