William "Bill" Willis

Dateline : Bakersville, NC

William (Bill) Willis 78, of Snow Creek Rd. went home to be with the Lord August 8, 2023. He was a native of Mitchell County, NC and a member of Lily Branch Baptist Church.

He was previously employed with Hampshire Hosiery, Zemex Mica, and Mitchell County Schools (Bowman Middle School) as Custodian. He also enjoyed Mitchell Football.  

Bill could be found in one of two places: 

The woods; his second home. The love that Bill had for the outdoors, the sport of hunting and fish was a love like no other. He thoroughly enjoyed celebrating both big and small victories. The preparation and thrill of tagging along with friends & family each season were some of his biggest highlights or with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Bill was known as the man who enjoyed wearing many hats, but no hat fit him better than being “Papaw”. The love he shared with them was unimaginable.  

“You may be gone but you’re alive in all you’ve taught me.  

Survivors include his wife of 59 years June Willis, son Jerry Willis (Stephanie), grandchildren; Drew Willis (Tiffany), Cody Willis (Halee), Sarah Stallard (Shane), Britany Henson (Daniel), Emma Wiseman "Emmy", great grandchildren; Remington and Alli Willis, Coy Stallard and Little Girl Willis on the way.

He was preceded in death by his mother Anna Mae Huskins Self, sister Sue Willis, Brothers in law Sammy Willis, David Wise, and Charles Calloway.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 7:00PM in Lily Branch Baptist Church with Reverend Will Winters and Reverend Don Ford officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge and In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to them at 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Willis Family.

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