J. Willis

J. D. Willis, age 94, of Sardis, AL, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 18, 2015 surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born May 18, 1920 in Jones, AL. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-nine years, Bertha Williams Willis; daughter, Peggy Sue Willis, mother Dora; father, Jesse and stepmother, Vesta Willis. He is survived by his sons, Harold (Wanda); Richard (Gayle) and David (Carolyn) Willis; daughters, M Joyce Willis, Dorothy (Bobby) Jones, Grace Willis, Elizabeth (Lewis) Stone, Linda Staggers, Janice (Don) McConnell, Martha (Claude) Holbrook and Judy (Ray) Duncan; twenty-six grandchildren; twenty four great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; sisters, Sybil McLean, Katherine Chappelle, Vivian (Bob) Hollis, Ester Mae (Ulysses) Chappell; brother, Jimmy (Henrietta) Willis and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins who were very special to him. J. D. was a long time member of Union United Methodist Church, a World War II veteran and a fifty three year member of Selma Lodge No 926, Valley of Montgomery Scottish Rite and other civic organizations. A celebration of his life will be Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.at Selma Funeral Home chapel with Sister Linda Tarver, Rev. Daniel Martin and Rev. Steve Vernon officiating. Interment will follow in Pineview Memory Gardens with Selma Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 21, 2015 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family would like to extend a special appreciation to his caregivers, Grace Shannon, Shirley Hill and the staff of Gentiva Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to your favorite charity.