Craig Willis, Sr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Craig Willis, Sr. announces his passing after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at the age of 77 years.

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Powell Osteen. There will be a time of visitation following the service.

A native of Morehead City, born in the Promise Land, Craig graduated from Morehead City High School in the class of 1958 and was a member of the State championship football team. After high school he graduated from the University of Miami and pursued his passion in aviation. He started his career with United Airlines as co-pilot on a DC-6 in 1963 and retired in 2000 as Captain of the Boeing 777.   He and his wife, Nancy, owned and operated Beaufort Aviation, the local fixed base operation for 10 years. During his career he also acted as Director of Operations for Segrave Aviation in Kinston, NC and served as a FAA Flight Examiner for over 40 years. Ham Radio was his favorite hobby for over 60 years. W4CCW will be missed on the air by many.

Other passions included boating, fishing, hunting and spending time with his family. After a lifetime of traveling the world he greatly appreciated spending time at home tinkering on the ham radio, grilling out and watching the boats pass by on the ICW.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Willis of the home; daughter, Shelli Willis and husband, Robert Rodriguez, of Atlanta, GA; sons, Cooper Willis and wife, Kathryn, of Charlotte, Craig Willis, Jr. of Novinger, MO, Carson Willis and wife, Laura, of Raleigh and Christian Willis and wife, Erica, of South Boston, VA; brother, Chet Willis and wife, Michelle, of Wilmington; and grandchildren, William, Joseph, and Ella Maria Rodriguez, Cooper, Anderson, Whitton, Cameron, Tucker and Connor Willis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Elizabeth Willis and brother, Michael Willis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to First United Methodist Church in memory of Craig Willis at 900 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, NC.