On March 18, 2024, at around 8:15 p.m., surrounded by a house full of lives that he had impacted, God called William Larry Willis home. He had fought the good fight and his race was finished.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Odra and Margaret Catherine Willis, and twin brother and sister that he never got to meet here on earth, Raymond and Rebecca.
He is survived by his devoted wife of thirty years, Janice Willis; two daughters, Christy Stevens (Phillip) and Lisa McCreless (Bryan); bonus son, Kevin Thompson (Lorri); bonus daughter, Kimberly Guntharp (Jason); grandchildren, Codi Stevens (Ariel), Lyndsay Slusher, Micah Slusher (Ella), Valerie Bragwell, Austin Elliott, Alli Short (Keylan), Anna Thompson, Clay Weaver (Julie), Raven Richardson (Garrett), Taylor Guntharp, and Austin Guntharp; and great-grandsons, Trent and Elliot Stevens, Bentley Weaver and Finn Curtis. Daddy was also blessed to have the best brother and sister-in-law in Leroy and Elaine Willis, and an amazing best friend and neighbor, Jamie Garner, along with a host of nephews, nieces, and friends that he truly cherished. And everyone who knew Daddy knew he loved his animals and they loved him. He will be greatly missed by Abe, Penny, Ellie, and Ollie.
He was a member of Washington Park Baptist Church. Since becoming homebound, Daddy spent every Sunday watching Pastors Steve Huskey and Jeremy Sanderson. In recent days, he had assured family and friends that he knew Jesus and was ready to meet Him.
Though many things of Heaven are still a mystery, we believe that as Daddy closed his eyes here, he was welcomed through the gates of Heaven by Jesus Himself and also by his parents that he loved so much. We imagine that together those three will create the most beautiful garden that will surely make even Heaven shine a little brighter. Highlighted of course by Daddy’s famous tomatoes.
As our family grieves we are thankful that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. In Jesus, goodbyes are only until we meet again.
Visitation for Daddy will be held Thursday, March 21, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia. The funeral service will immediately follow in the funeral home chapel with Jeremy Sanderson officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Sheffield.
Pallbearers will be Brandyn Willis, Dustyn Willis, Dobye Willis, Codi Stevens, Austin Elliott, and Jamie Garner.
The family offers special thanks to Jeremy Sanderson; Hospice of North Alabama, especially Lori, Ginny, and Stephanie for the love and care shown to Larry; and best friend Jamie Garner.
Please visit morrisonfuneralhomes.com to leave tributes and condolences for the family.
