Inge K. Willis, 83, entered heaven on June 27, 2017. Originally from Nurnberg, Germany, Mrs. Willis came to Russellville, Alabama in 1955 after marrying her husband Eddie Willis. They were blessed with six children.
She was a charter member of Avalon Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. She later joined Oakwood Baptist Church in Spruce Pine where she was a member at her death. Many people had the opportunity to experience her hospitality both in her home and at KFC where she was the manager for many years. She was a woman of faith, strength, and courage and will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation for Mrs. Willis will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville. A graveside service will be held at Franklin Memory Gardens, Russellville, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2017, with Phillip Duncan officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeff McKeown, Malcolm McDougall, Dominic Ruberti, Michael Ruberti, Austin Willis-Greene, and Ray Bruce.
Mrs. Willis is survived by her children, Karen Willis, Ralph Willis, John Willis, Debbie McDougall (Malcolm), Cyndi McKeown (Jeff), and Mike Willis (Tresa). She leaves behind eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Four sisters also survive her, Marie Binoder, Bettina (Betty) Coleman, Hildegarde (Mickey) Pimentel, Monika Ubelacker, and Klara Kirsch, as well as one sister-in-law, June Hendrix. In addition, many nieces and nephews, both in the U.S. and in Germany, survive her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Willis; parents, Fritz and Gunda Krauss; and sister, Lottie Gutel.
The family would like to thank the ICU nursing staff at ECM for their care and kindness during this difficult time.
