1926
Gerald
2011
Gerald Dennis Willis
January 16, 1926 — April 22, 2011
Gerald Dennis Willis April 22, 2011
Gerald Dennis Willis, 85, of Williston N.C. entered into his Eternal Rest on April 22, 2011, after a short time of sickness at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington N.C.
He was predeceased by his parents, Troy and Eva Willis of Williston, his eldest brother, Troy Willis, Jr., and his son Gerald D. “Jerry” Willis Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Zelma L. Willis, originally of Davis, N.C., one son, James R. “Rusty” Willis, of Elizabethtown, N.C., his wife, Etta G. Willis, a daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Wellmon, and her husband, Jim Wellmon, of Jacksonville, Florida, and three grandchildren, Christopher Aaron Wellmon, Laura Ashley Willis, and Sarah Elizabeth Willis. He is also survived by a nephew, Troy Willis, III, and his wife, Rebecca Willis.
Friends and Family will gather Sunday evening April 24, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for a time of fellowship at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City, N.C. A service of celebration will be held on Monday April 25, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Williston United Methodist Church in Williston, N.C., where Mr. Willis was a professor of Jesus Christ for 70 plus years. The service will be lead by Rev. Doug Stewart, assisted by Rev. Jim Stalnaker and Rev. Dr. Mike Eubanks. The eulogy will be presented by his son, Rev. Rusty Willis.
The burial will follow at Oak Lane Cemetery in Williston. Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to the Williston United Methodist Church in his memory.
Mr. Willis was born in Williston January 16, 1926, in his grandparents’ home overlooking the Williston Creek. His childhood was rich with family and the beginning of an early journey of faith in Jesus Christ. His schooling began in a one room school house in Williston and he later graduated from Smyrna High School in 1944. Mr. Willis’ working years covered 55 years, first serving his country at Atlantic Field, later working at Lewis Smith’s store of Smyrna, followed by Cherry Point Air Base. Mr. Willis also worked with his father-in-law, Luther Lewis, as a seafood salesman, followed by 18 years working with his uncle’s company, C.G. Willis Barge Line. In 1973, he began one of the greatest joys of his life when he purchased and operated G & R Supermarket in Smyrna for 29 years where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Gerald”. He was a caring friend, community leader and Christian witness. Mr. Willis served multiple years in leadership positions in his church which included Sunday School teacher of a young men’s class, President of the United Methodist Men, Sunday School Superintendent and chair of the Administrative Council, Mr. Willis also served on the boards of Sea Level Hospital and Extended Care Facility and First Citizens Bank of Beaufort, N.C. While those working years were brought to a close in his grocery business that he dearly loved in 2000, his personal retirement years were completed spending time with his family and friends and looking out on the Williston Creek only a few short yards from where his life began.
To God be The Glory for a life well lived!
Gerald Dennis Willis, 85, of Williston N.C. entered into his Eternal Rest on April 22, 2011, after a short time of sickness at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington N.C.
He was predeceased by his parents, Troy and Eva Willis of Williston, his eldest brother, Troy Willis, Jr., and his son Gerald D. “Jerry” Willis Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Zelma L. Willis, originally of Davis, N.C., one son, James R. “Rusty” Willis, of Elizabethtown, N.C., his wife, Etta G. Willis, a daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Wellmon, and her husband, Jim Wellmon, of Jacksonville, Florida, and three grandchildren, Christopher Aaron Wellmon, Laura Ashley Willis, and Sarah Elizabeth Willis. He is also survived by a nephew, Troy Willis, III, and his wife, Rebecca Willis.
Friends and Family will gather Sunday evening April 24, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for a time of fellowship at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City, N.C. A service of celebration will be held on Monday April 25, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Williston United Methodist Church in Williston, N.C., where Mr. Willis was a professor of Jesus Christ for 70 plus years. The service will be lead by Rev. Doug Stewart, assisted by Rev. Jim Stalnaker and Rev. Dr. Mike Eubanks. The eulogy will be presented by his son, Rev. Rusty Willis.
The burial will follow at Oak Lane Cemetery in Williston. Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to the Williston United Methodist Church in his memory.
Mr. Willis was born in Williston January 16, 1926, in his grandparents’ home overlooking the Williston Creek. His childhood was rich with family and the beginning of an early journey of faith in Jesus Christ. His schooling began in a one room school house in Williston and he later graduated from Smyrna High School in 1944. Mr. Willis’ working years covered 55 years, first serving his country at Atlantic Field, later working at Lewis Smith’s store of Smyrna, followed by Cherry Point Air Base. Mr. Willis also worked with his father-in-law, Luther Lewis, as a seafood salesman, followed by 18 years working with his uncle’s company, C.G. Willis Barge Line. In 1973, he began one of the greatest joys of his life when he purchased and operated G & R Supermarket in Smyrna for 29 years where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Gerald”. He was a caring friend, community leader and Christian witness. Mr. Willis served multiple years in leadership positions in his church which included Sunday School teacher of a young men’s class, President of the United Methodist Men, Sunday School Superintendent and chair of the Administrative Council, Mr. Willis also served on the boards of Sea Level Hospital and Extended Care Facility and First Citizens Bank of Beaufort, N.C. While those working years were brought to a close in his grocery business that he dearly loved in 2000, his personal retirement years were completed spending time with his family and friends and looking out on the Williston Creek only a few short yards from where his life began.
To God be The Glory for a life well lived!
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