James Henry Willis Sr.'s Obituary
James Henry Willis, Sr., 77, of Newberry, Florida, died Sunday, July 1, 2018 at the North Florida Regional Medical Center, Gainesville.
Mr. Willis was native and lifelong resident of Alachua county, born on February 22, 1941 in High Springs to the late Miller Hainesworth and Gertrude Willis. He worked as a market manager for Publix Supermarkets for over 24 years. After his retirement he began a second career owning and operating his own site prep business, Willis Brothers Construction. Mr. Willis loved Jesus and helping to share the gospel and was a member of Turning Point of Newberry. He loved animals, especially his horses. He was a longtime member of the Gainesville Masonic Lodge, #41. Most important to him was his family and he was preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie Holloway and by two brothers, Woodrow and Ferman Willis. Mr. Willis will be remembered as a friend to all, a man who never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Pamela Ray Willis; children, James, Jr. (Lisa) Willis, of Alachua, Kim (Tim) Stanley, of Gainesville, and Kevin (Laurie) Willis, of High Springs; a brother, Rayburn (Ute) Willis, of Palm Coast; one sister, Verdie (Eddie) Greeno, of High Springs; sisters-in-law, Frances Willis, of Newberry and Young Willis, of Huntsville, AL; six grandchildren, Alex Stanley, Kaitlyn Stanley, Ashley Shelar, James Willis, III, Danielle Stanley and Austin Willis. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved their “Uncle Jimmy”.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11:00 A. M., at Turning Point of Newberry, 5577 NW 290th Street, Newberry, with Pastor Henry Rodgers, officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park West. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services, beginning at 10:00 A. M., at the church.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
