George Henry Willis Sr

Gaston-

George Henry Willis, Sr., 70, died in Halifax Regional Medical Center, Wednesday, August 22, 2012.

George was born in Buncombe County, NC to the late Ralph Fredrick Willis and Leona Payne Willis. He retired as a Master Chief Hospital Corpsman from the United States Navy after 30 years of service, 16 years of that was attached with the United States Marine Corps. George loved his country and fellow servicemen which was evident of his work with many veteran organizations. He was CEO/President of the Roanoke Valley Veterans Museum, past Department Commander for the North Carolina American Legion, past State Chef DeGare for the 40/8 Society of North Carolina and current Sous Chef De Chemin de Fer. He was also a life member in the American Legion, 40/8 Society, AmVets, VFW, DAV and Marine Corps. League. He was a member of The Woodmen of the World for 50+ years and was a CPR instructor trainer in Norfolk, VA for the Tidewater Red Cross. George also loved his church where was a deacon at Community Free Will Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Ray Willis, sister, Doris St. Sing, son, James Turner, and grandson, Kevin White, Jr.

Surviving are his wife, Joyce B. Willis of the home; four sons, George Henry Willis, Jr. and wife, Renee, of Chesapeake, VA, Jeffrey Michael Willis and wife, Karen, Kevin William Ralph Willis and wife, Chrystal, both of Virginia Beach, VA, and William Charles Bill Turner and wife, Bobbie Lynn of Richmond, VA; two brothers, James Fredrick Willis of Valdese, NC and Troy Eugene Willis of Aurelian Springs; two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Sweat of Roanoke Rapids, and Frances Leona Bowser of Hamstead, NC. Also surviving ars 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family will receive friends at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service, who is handling arrangements, Sunday, August 26, 2012 from 2-4 pm with funeral services, conducted by Rev. Larry Matthews, to follow the visitation.

Interment will follow with military honors, in Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery, 110 Montford Point Road, Jacksonville, NC 28541, Monday, August 27, 2012 at 2:00 pm.