On Tuesday January 16, 2018 a man who loved his Lord, loved his family and loved his country, Paul James Willis, age 97, entered his eternal heavenly home.
Mr. Willis was born November 14, 1920 in Hope, Arkansas to the late Claude Willis and the late Ruth Clark Willis and had proudly called Canton his home since 1936. On August 18th 1943, Mr. Willis was inducted into the United States Army, serving in Company “G”329th Infantry as a Technical Sergeant during World War II. His military career was served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Mr. Willis was wounded in action on January 13, 1945 and was honored for his valor with The Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Campaign Medal with five bronze service stars, Good Conduct Medal , Victory Medal and most recently Mr. Willis had received the Legion of Honor medal, France’s highest military honor, given to World War II veterans. Mr. Willis was indeed a man of honor and great courage and was well known and respected throughout Western North Carolina. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 61 in Canton. Paul retired from Champion International with 45 years of dedicated service. Mr. Willis was a faithful member of Rockwood Methodist Church where he had taught Sunday School for more than 70 years, continuing to teach his class up until the week before he passed away. He was also a devoted member of the church choir. Mr. Willis had become a published poet and was also chosen for an acting role in the movie, “Thank You Eddie Hart” which aired on the PBS Broadcasting Station. A very talented public speaker, Mr. Willis was often honored with being the keynote speaker at military events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and was also a presenter for many honorary awards at public school special occasions and ROTC banquets that were held throughout the school year. In his spare time Paul enjoyed reading, doing cryptograms and in the summer season he could always be found working in his garden where he raised the most delicious tomatoes and squash. A favorite place of Mr. Willis was the Buttered Biscuit in Lake Junaluska where he was known as their best patron and he also served as the restaurant greeter. His kindness to everyone will be deeply missed each day. As we remember Paul, we remember a man that was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. We remember his presence when he entered a room or when he stood in front of an audience to speak about his great love for the United States of America.
He shall never ever be forgotten by his loving family or anyone that was blessed to know him. He has touched the lives of many and we give thanks for his blessed life. The words found in Timothy 4: 7 & 8 speak true of the life of Paul James Willis, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, The righteous judge shall give me at that day; And not to me only, but unto all them also that that love his appearing. We rejoice for the life of a devoted husband, a wonderful grandfather, a dear brother and a truly good man.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn Blythe Willis who passed away in 2015; his sons, Dwight “Sonny” Willis and Michael “Doc” Willis; a grandson, Shane Willis; brothers, Herschel Willis and Troy Willis and also an infant sister, Faye Willis.
Surviving are his grandchildren, Tracy (Jacqueline) and Mandy (Luke); great-grandchildren, Peyton, Cobie, Levi,
Kamdon, Kayla, and Colin; a daughter-in-law, Vickie, a brother, Dale; sisters, Melba and Bonnie and also “Mr. Zeb” his special cat.
Funeral services were held at 12:00 noon, January 20, 2017 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Pastor Eric Hill officiated. Burial was at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery, Newfound Road, Canton with military honors being conducted. The family received and welcomed friends from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.
Information courtesy of crawfordray.com
Mr. Willis was born November 14, 1920 in Hope, Arkansas to the late Claude Willis and the late Ruth Clark Willis and had proudly called Canton his home since 1936. On August 18th 1943, Mr. Willis was inducted into the United States Army, serving in Company “G”329th Infantry as a Technical Sergeant during World War II. His military career was served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Mr. Willis was wounded in action on January 13, 1945 and was honored for his valor with The Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Campaign Medal with five bronze service stars, Good Conduct Medal , Victory Medal and most recently Mr. Willis had received the Legion of Honor medal, France’s highest military honor, given to World War II veterans. Mr. Willis was indeed a man of honor and great courage and was well known and respected throughout Western North Carolina. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 61 in Canton. Paul retired from Champion International with 45 years of dedicated service. Mr. Willis was a faithful member of Rockwood Methodist Church where he had taught Sunday School for more than 70 years, continuing to teach his class up until the week before he passed away. He was also a devoted member of the church choir. Mr. Willis had become a published poet and was also chosen for an acting role in the movie, “Thank You Eddie Hart” which aired on the PBS Broadcasting Station. A very talented public speaker, Mr. Willis was often honored with being the keynote speaker at military events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and was also a presenter for many honorary awards at public school special occasions and ROTC banquets that were held throughout the school year. In his spare time Paul enjoyed reading, doing cryptograms and in the summer season he could always be found working in his garden where he raised the most delicious tomatoes and squash. A favorite place of Mr. Willis was the Buttered Biscuit in Lake Junaluska where he was known as their best patron and he also served as the restaurant greeter. His kindness to everyone will be deeply missed each day. As we remember Paul, we remember a man that was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. We remember his presence when he entered a room or when he stood in front of an audience to speak about his great love for the United States of America.
He shall never ever be forgotten by his loving family or anyone that was blessed to know him. He has touched the lives of many and we give thanks for his blessed life. The words found in Timothy 4: 7 & 8 speak true of the life of Paul James Willis, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, The righteous judge shall give me at that day; And not to me only, but unto all them also that that love his appearing. We rejoice for the life of a devoted husband, a wonderful grandfather, a dear brother and a truly good man.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn Blythe Willis who passed away in 2015; his sons, Dwight “Sonny” Willis and Michael “Doc” Willis; a grandson, Shane Willis; brothers, Herschel Willis and Troy Willis and also an infant sister, Faye Willis.
Surviving are his grandchildren, Tracy (Jacqueline) and Mandy (Luke); great-grandchildren, Peyton, Cobie, Levi,
Kamdon, Kayla, and Colin; a daughter-in-law, Vickie, a brother, Dale; sisters, Melba and Bonnie and also “Mr. Zeb” his special cat.
Funeral services were held at 12:00 noon, January 20, 2017 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Pastor Eric Hill officiated. Burial was at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery, Newfound Road, Canton with military honors being conducted. The family received and welcomed friends from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.
Information courtesy of crawfordray.com
On Tuesday January 16, 2018 a man who loved his Lord, loved his family and loved his country, Paul James Willis, age 97, entered his eternal heavenly home.
Mr. Willis was born November 14, 1920 in Hope, Arkansas to the late Claude Willis and the late Ruth Clark Willis and had proudly called Canton his home since 1936. On August 18th 1943, Mr. Willis was inducted into the United States Army, serving in Company “G”329th Infantry as a Technical Sergeant during World War II. His military career was served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Mr. Willis was wounded in action on January 13, 1945 and was honored for his valor with The Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Campaign Medal with five bronze service stars, Good Conduct Medal , Victory Medal and most recently Mr. Willis had received the Legion of Honor medal, France’s highest military honor, given to World War II veterans. Mr. Willis was indeed a man of honor and great courage and was well known and respected throughout Western North Carolina. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 61 in Canton. Paul retired from Champion International with 45 years of dedicated service. Mr. Willis was a faithful member of Rockwood Methodist Church where he had taught Sunday School for more than 70 years, continuing to teach his class up until the week before he passed away. He was also a devoted member of the church choir. Mr. Willis had become a published poet and was also chosen for an acting role in the movie, “Thank You Eddie Hart” which aired on the PBS Broadcasting Station. A very talented public speaker, Mr. Willis was often honored with being the keynote speaker at military events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and was also a presenter for many honorary awards at public school special occasions and ROTC banquets that were held throughout the school year. In his spare time Paul enjoyed reading, doing cryptograms and in the summer season he could always be found working in his garden where he raised the most delicious tomatoes and squash. A favorite place of Mr. Willis was the Buttered Biscuit in Lake Junaluska where he was known as their best patron and he also served as the restaurant greeter. His kindness to everyone will be deeply missed each day. As we remember Paul, we remember a man that was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. We remember his presence when he entered a room or when he stood in front of an audience to speak about his great love for the United States of America.
He shall never ever be forgotten by his loving family or anyone that was blessed to know him. He has touched the lives of many and we give thanks for his blessed life. The words found in Timothy 4: 7 & 8 speak true of the life of Paul James Willis, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, The righteous judge shall give me at that day; And not to me only, but unto all them also that that love his appearing. We rejoice for the life of a devoted husband, a wonderful grandfather, a dear brother and a truly good man.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn Blythe Willis who passed away in 2015; his sons, Dwight “Sonny” Willis and Michael “Doc” Willis; a grandson, Shane Willis; brothers, Herschel Willis and Troy Willis and also an infant sister, Faye Willis.
Surviving are his grandchildren, Tracy (Jacqueline) and Mandy (Luke); great-grandchildren, Peyton, Cobie, Levi,
Kamdon, Kayla, and Colin; a daughter-in-law, Vickie, a brother, Dale; sisters, Melba and Bonnie and also “Mr. Zeb” his special cat.
Funeral services were held at 12:00 noon, January 20, 2017 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Pastor Eric Hill officiated. Burial was at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery, Newfound Road, Canton with military honors being conducted. The family received and welcomed friends from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.
Information courtesy of crawfordray.com
Mr. Willis was born November 14, 1920 in Hope, Arkansas to the late Claude Willis and the late Ruth Clark Willis and had proudly called Canton his home since 1936. On August 18th 1943, Mr. Willis was inducted into the United States Army, serving in Company “G”329th Infantry as a Technical Sergeant during World War II. His military career was served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Mr. Willis was wounded in action on January 13, 1945 and was honored for his valor with The Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Campaign Medal with five bronze service stars, Good Conduct Medal , Victory Medal and most recently Mr. Willis had received the Legion of Honor medal, France’s highest military honor, given to World War II veterans. Mr. Willis was indeed a man of honor and great courage and was well known and respected throughout Western North Carolina. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 61 in Canton. Paul retired from Champion International with 45 years of dedicated service. Mr. Willis was a faithful member of Rockwood Methodist Church where he had taught Sunday School for more than 70 years, continuing to teach his class up until the week before he passed away. He was also a devoted member of the church choir. Mr. Willis had become a published poet and was also chosen for an acting role in the movie, “Thank You Eddie Hart” which aired on the PBS Broadcasting Station. A very talented public speaker, Mr. Willis was often honored with being the keynote speaker at military events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and was also a presenter for many honorary awards at public school special occasions and ROTC banquets that were held throughout the school year. In his spare time Paul enjoyed reading, doing cryptograms and in the summer season he could always be found working in his garden where he raised the most delicious tomatoes and squash. A favorite place of Mr. Willis was the Buttered Biscuit in Lake Junaluska where he was known as their best patron and he also served as the restaurant greeter. His kindness to everyone will be deeply missed each day. As we remember Paul, we remember a man that was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. We remember his presence when he entered a room or when he stood in front of an audience to speak about his great love for the United States of America.
He shall never ever be forgotten by his loving family or anyone that was blessed to know him. He has touched the lives of many and we give thanks for his blessed life. The words found in Timothy 4: 7 & 8 speak true of the life of Paul James Willis, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, The righteous judge shall give me at that day; And not to me only, but unto all them also that that love his appearing. We rejoice for the life of a devoted husband, a wonderful grandfather, a dear brother and a truly good man.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn Blythe Willis who passed away in 2015; his sons, Dwight “Sonny” Willis and Michael “Doc” Willis; a grandson, Shane Willis; brothers, Herschel Willis and Troy Willis and also an infant sister, Faye Willis.
Surviving are his grandchildren, Tracy (Jacqueline) and Mandy (Luke); great-grandchildren, Peyton, Cobie, Levi,
Kamdon, Kayla, and Colin; a daughter-in-law, Vickie, a brother, Dale; sisters, Melba and Bonnie and also “Mr. Zeb” his special cat.
Funeral services were held at 12:00 noon, January 20, 2017 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Pastor Eric Hill officiated. Burial was at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery, Newfound Road, Canton with military honors being conducted. The family received and welcomed friends from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.
Information courtesy of crawfordray.com
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
