Jerry Wayne Willis, Sr.

Jerry Wayne Willis, Sr., age 71, of Morehead City was released from his earthly bonds on Sunday November 30, 2014 at his home.

A private family service will be held.

He raged hard against his battle with pancreatic cancer and he passed away still fighting. He is so loved and will be missed by so many fishermen, pool buddies, but especially his family, who loved his little idiosyncrasies.

He was born and raised in the Morehead City "Promiseland area" and he knew the ways of working the waters by mullet fishing, oystering, clamming and was well known for being the king of trout fishing. He was proficient in netmaking and building skiffs. In his early years he worked at the Sanitary Fish Market, then Fry Roofing and later as a Fork Lift Driver at the Morehead City State Port.

He is survived by his wife Agatha Lawrence Willis of the home.

Children: Jerry Wayne Willis, Jr. and Patricia Lee Willis of Newport, Christy Marie Willis of Wilmington, Step Daughter Debra Guthrie of Boston, Mass.

Grandchildren: Sharon Lee Head, Skyler Wayne, Kayden Riley, McKenzie Estelle, Khalil and Kharlee. Great Grandchildren: Aaron, Wyatt, Isabella Leah-Marie, Siblings: Jackie Arnold Willis of Stella, NC, Patricia Jane Willis Luther of Azle, Texas, Gene Thomas Willis, Sr. of Morehead City, NC, Richard Payne Willis, Sr. of Sneads Ferry, NC and Carolyn Ruth Willis Jubb of Morehead City, NC.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents: Samuel Herbert Curtis and Estelle Myrtle (May) Willis.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Carteret County Humane Society in honor of his cats that he loved at PO Box 357 Newport, NC 28570.

Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.

"Crossing the Bar" (1889) Alfred Lord Tennyson

I hope that he is fishing on a little skiff on a little sound somewhere in Heaven with his Mama and Daddy right now.

Online condolonces may be made to the family at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

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