Edward Wayne Willis, 73, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024 at NMMC in Tupelo. He was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on February 7, 1951 to the late Joe Curtis Willis and Ruth Beverly Willis. With his father being in the military, Edward’s family traveled extensively. He spent some of his youth in Orlando, FL. Edward would go on to courageously serve in the United States Army and served a tour in Vietnam. He worked most of his life in the construction business, lastly working as a bridge concrete finisher with Superior Construction. On April 12, 2003 he married Betty Jo Woods. Edward loved being outdoors, especially planting and raising a garden, baking and cooking for his family. He attended Cross Bound Church in Smithville.
Edward is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Willis of Smithville; daughter, Michelle Foster, GA; step daughter, Sylvia Menold (James), Smithville; brothers, Andy Willis (Tina), IN and Robert Willis (Tracie), Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Domonique Lane, Scott Foster, Jr. and Kayley Foster; step grandchildren, Savannah Stevens (TJ), Jake Menold (Rachel), Richard Ransburgh (Savannah), Clark Poppell and Annie Poppell; great grandchildren, Darion, Mathiyas, Elias and Destiny; step great grandchildren, Justin, Isla, Jaxon, Carter and Alison; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Edward is preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis Harper and a great grandson, Owen Stevens.
A memorial service will be held at a 3:30 on Saturday, March 16 at Cross Bound Church in Smithville.
