Jerald "Tom" Prescott Willis

On Saturday, September 22, 2018, Jerald “Tom” Prescott Willis of Newport, NC, passed away at the Johnston UNC Healthcare: SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, NC.

A service will be held at a later date.

Born in Morehead City, NC on December 2, 1939 to Syble Prescott-Willis of Newport and Alton Willis of Morehead City, both of whom precede him in death, as does his sister, Sylvia Willis Walsh; Mr. Willis lived a rich and full life with his wife, best friend, fishing partner, and soulmate, Jane, by his side.

Mr. Willis lived and worked in North Carolina, Texas, Florida, California, Virginia, and Alabama throughout his life, but always claimed Newport as his home. His main career was as retail manager at Tate’s Thoroughbred Seeds in Norfolk, VA. He later worked in sales for Heilig-Meyer’s Furniture in Morehead City, NC.

For hobbies, Mr. Willis was a motorcycle enthusiast and, in his younger days, enjoyed leisurely touring the Virginia Beach area on his Honda motorcycles with his wife, Jane, and friends. He was also an avid outdoorsman who frequently spent time fishing, clam digging, crabbing, canoeing, and exploring the coastal regions of North Carolina, especially the Outer Banks. He also liked spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains, visiting Civil War battlefields and landmarks, and was the self-proclaimed Jungle Golf champion of all time.

He leaves behind his wife Jane Everett Willis; niece, Julie Walsh-Covarrubias and her husband Armando Covarrubias; nephew, Joey Walsh; two grand nephews, Adrian and Julian Walsh; and many other loving family members and friends. Mr. Willis was also the father of three daughters from a previous marriage: Lisa Irvin, Joanne Demel-Matthews (deceased), and Amy Crawford, all from Amarillo, TX. In addition to the above, he also deeply cared for and enjoyed spending holidays and family time with his wife Jane’s brothers, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews and his Irish brother-in-law, Eamonn Walsh.

Jerald “Tom” Willis will always be remembered by family and friends for his masterful, witty, and humorous storytelling, kind but mischievous nature, and his deep commitment and love for his family.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

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