1929
Henry
2012
Henry Willis
January 19, 1929 — September 1, 2012
Mr. Henry Willis, 83, of Harkers Island, NC, passed away late Saturday, September, 1, 2012.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, at Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church officiated by Rev. Bill Hooper and Rev. Ricky Nelms.
Born January 19, 1929 in Morehead City, NC, Henry was the son of the late Sammie Willis and Linda Bert Davis Willis. He graduated from Harkers Island High School in 1947 and attended Atlantic Christian College. He was a talented baseball and basketball player and continued playing basketball at Atlantic Christian College. On January 18, 1953, he married Rebecca Mae Davis, forming a partnership that would last 59 years. Six years later, on March 27, 1959, the welcomed their first and only child, a daughter, Reba Yvette Willis. In 1980, he welcomed his son-in-law, Alan Baker, into the family and considered him a son. Henry’s greatest joy was his family; nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandsons, Christopher and Nicholas.
Although Henry loved working as a commercial fisherman and boat builder, he unselfishly took a position at Cherry Point where he was employed for 25 years to better provide for his family. After his retirement in 1993, he returned to his love of fishing and boat building.
In 1954, Henry started his journey serving the Lord. He soon became a member of the Harkers Island Pentecostal Holiness Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Choir Director, and Deacon. In 1994, he became a charter member of the Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Surviving are: wife, Rebecca Mae Davis Willis; daughter, Reba Yvette Baker and husband, Alan, of Harkers Island,; grandsons, Christopher Alan Baker and Nicholas Landon Baker, of Harkers Island; sisters, Ruth “Sissy” Lewis and husband, Jim, Lina Mae Yeomans, and Sandra Kaye Willis and husband, Joseph C.; brothers, Samuel Lee Willis, Guyon Willis and wife, Vonda, Michael Willis and wife, Lois Ann, and James H. Willis and wife Susan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Henry was preceded in death by his sister, Linda May Willis (child), and three brothers, Duncan Willis, Roger Willis and Paul Willis.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church, PO Box 307, Smyrna, NC 28579.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, at Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church officiated by Rev. Bill Hooper and Rev. Ricky Nelms.
Born January 19, 1929 in Morehead City, NC, Henry was the son of the late Sammie Willis and Linda Bert Davis Willis. He graduated from Harkers Island High School in 1947 and attended Atlantic Christian College. He was a talented baseball and basketball player and continued playing basketball at Atlantic Christian College. On January 18, 1953, he married Rebecca Mae Davis, forming a partnership that would last 59 years. Six years later, on March 27, 1959, the welcomed their first and only child, a daughter, Reba Yvette Willis. In 1980, he welcomed his son-in-law, Alan Baker, into the family and considered him a son. Henry’s greatest joy was his family; nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandsons, Christopher and Nicholas.
Although Henry loved working as a commercial fisherman and boat builder, he unselfishly took a position at Cherry Point where he was employed for 25 years to better provide for his family. After his retirement in 1993, he returned to his love of fishing and boat building.
In 1954, Henry started his journey serving the Lord. He soon became a member of the Harkers Island Pentecostal Holiness Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Choir Director, and Deacon. In 1994, he became a charter member of the Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Surviving are: wife, Rebecca Mae Davis Willis; daughter, Reba Yvette Baker and husband, Alan, of Harkers Island,; grandsons, Christopher Alan Baker and Nicholas Landon Baker, of Harkers Island; sisters, Ruth “Sissy” Lewis and husband, Jim, Lina Mae Yeomans, and Sandra Kaye Willis and husband, Joseph C.; brothers, Samuel Lee Willis, Guyon Willis and wife, Vonda, Michael Willis and wife, Lois Ann, and James H. Willis and wife Susan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Henry was preceded in death by his sister, Linda May Willis (child), and three brothers, Duncan Willis, Roger Willis and Paul Willis.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Smyrna Pentecostal Holiness Church, PO Box 307, Smyrna, NC 28579.
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