George Willis

BRIGHTON, ILOn Thursday Jan. 18^th George Ronald (Bud) Willis went home to his Savior and a joyous family reunion in heaven. He departed peacefully, surrounded by his son and daughter and their spouses in Crossville, TN. in sight of the mountains he loved dearly.George was born to Russell and Myrle Willis in Jerseyville, IL. on November 30, 1930. He joined the Illinois National Guard at 17 and performed guard duty after the Fosterburg tornado of “49”.  In 1950, he enlisted in the Air Force, and as a Radar Operator, was one of the first sent to activate a new base in Empire, MI. with the 752nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, a part of the Cold War-era United States Air Force Aerospace Defense Command. He served 4 years active duty and 8 years reserve, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. While stationed at Empire, he met and wed the love of his life, Doty Jean Lappo of Traverse City, MI. They were married for 50 years until her death in August of 2002.  In addition to his parents and wife, George was preceded in death by his brothers and their spouses, Donald Milton Willis and wife Anna, and Earl Dean Willis and wife Meda.Along with his children, Kathy and her husband Gary of Collinsville, IL., and George and his wife Barbara of Crossville, TN. George is survived by his grandchildren: Larry (Krista), Gary (C.J.), and Chris, Andrew, Tyler, and Brett.  Also left to mourn him are great-grandchildren: Xander, Landon, Isabella, Gabriella, Braylyn, Annabella and Josephine.George began a career at Union Electric in Alton IL. in the Gas Department, then completed a four-year apprenticeship as a lineman, eventually being promoted to small crew foreman. He served several years as shop steward and was on the executive board for I.B.E.W. Local 649, recently receiving his 60-year pin. George was proud of his farms, and in retirement, he and his wife spent many summers at their Cedar River cabin in Northern Michigan.George deeply treasured his family of aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  A passion for American history led to genealogical research where he discovered many Virginia and Kentucky ancestors including Merrill Willis who rode with the 14^th Kentucky Cavalry-Union during the Civil War.  The memory of George’s boundless energy, his deep enthusiasm for life, family and work, and his broad sense of humor are deeply impressed in the hearts of all who loved him.Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Hugh Fitz officiating.Interment will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Cumberland Fellowship, 1640 West Ave, Crossville, TN. 38555 for The Storehouse Homeless Services, or to Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation, 5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL. 62035 for the scholarship fund.An on-line guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalschaaf.com

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home