MR. EUGENE F. WILLIS DIES IN ROME, GA.
He was well known in Macon and throughout Georgia – son of the late Hon. W. H. Willis of Oglethorpe – will be buried at Riverside today.

The remains of Mr. Eugene F. Willis arrived in Macon last night over the Southern railway from Rome, Ga. where his sad death occurred Wednesday night at 9:15 o'clock. Mr. Willis was well known in Macon, Valdosta, Athens and other cities of Georgia where he has resided at various times. He had recently made his home at Athens, but subsequently located in Rome, and only Monday last he moved his family from the former to the latter city. Several months ago, Mr. Willis was stricken with typhoid fever, the effects from which he never fully recovered. Although in feeble health, he displayed that versatility of talent that had characterized him from boyhood. The dread malady, however, left its mark on the bright intellect of its victim and in early life claimed him for its own. Eugene Willis was known far and wide and always favorably. He was genial, talented and stable. He married Miss Mattie Clarke of this city in 1891, and, besides his wife, is survived by his three children – Martha, aged 11, Arthur, 9, and Eugene Jr. 4. Mr. Willis was a son of the late William H. Willis of Oglethorpe, for years one of the most prominent citizens of his section and state. The deceased is also a brother of Judge Charles Willis of Oglethorpe, and Mrs. Charlton Battle of Columbus. On his arrival at Rome on Wednesday Mr. Willis was completely overcome by the exertion to which the tedious trip had subjected him, and took a strong narcotic which had been prescribed for him by his physician. He made the fatal mistake of taking too much for his weakened condition, however, and soon thereafter the cold hand of death was placed upon his brow. The funeral will take place this morning from the residence of Mr. George P. Clarke..Spring Street, the interment being at Riverside cemetery.

Source: Macon telegraph, 4 Sept 1903
--from contributor Ellie Naylor