Celebrating the life of
Frank M. "Bones" Willis, Jr.
June 15, 1925 - July 09, 2017
Frank M. “Bones” Willis, Jr., 92, died Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Brandley House Hospice in Summerfield, FL in the presence of his wife and three sons.
Born in Savannah, Georgia on June 15, 1925, he was the son of Frank M. Willis, Sr. and Sadye Rose Woods Willis. His favorite childhood activities in Savannah where he was raised were hunting doodle bugs, jumping out of trees, shooting his .22 long rifle at his family & friends and they shot back, and playing baseball for Star Laundry and Bart’s Bakery. He was baptized a Methodist.
On October 8, 1943, Bones left high school midway through his junior year when he was drafted to serve in the US Navy. He saw action in the Asiatic Pacific Area serving aboard the USS LST 1079, USS LST 833 and the USS Belleau Wood CVL-24 (Independence-Class Light Aircraft Carrier) & was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. After 2.5 years in the Navy, and upon his honorable discharge on May 5, 1946, he returned to complete his high school education at Savannah High School. After one year at Armstrong Junior College in Savannah, GA he transferred to Georgia Tech where he graduated on June 15, 1953 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management.
Frank retired after 27 years from Guide Lamp Division of General Motors in Anderson, Indiana in 1980 as an Automotive Production Engineer & then moved to Hutchinson Island, FL where he worked in real estate and air conditioning systems design. He had a successful entrepreneurial career in Amway both during and after he retired from General Motors. In 1995, he retired again and moved to Ocala, FL where he resided until he passed away.
Bones loved to travel in his campers/motor home. A devoted husband and father, he believed in family vacations and always took the three boys everywhere he and Barbara went. The greatest gift he gave to his kids was his attention. He always attended every activity they were in.
He enjoyed bowling, was a golf league member, and a little league manager of Tutman’s at Madison Ave. Little League in Anderson. Bones was a member of the American Legion, Rotary Club of Anderson, Indiana, and was a Boy Scouts of America Leader.
Surviving are his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara Tuten Willis; three children, Frank M. Willis III (Lisa), James K. Willis (Lisbeth), and Michael N. Willis (Carol); Grandchildren, Cassandra A. Willis, Frank R. Villari, Sarah A. Hunt & Lance Thompson (Beth); Great-grandchildren, Juliet & Shelby Hunt, Cally Clark and Dylan R. Thompson; nephew, William H. Edwards (Pam) as well as many nieces & nephews by marriage. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Rose Jenkins. He was the proud, proud owner of Ramble, his beloved Boston Terrier, whose ashes are being buried with him, and Misty, his French Poodle.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017 in the Hodgson Chapel of Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests remembrances be made to Hospice of Marion County, 3231 SW 34th. Ave., Ocala, FL 34474, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.
My deepest sympathy for the Willis Family. May reading God's word give you strength during this difficult time. Romans 15:4 tells us,"For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope."
- B.B, , Ga
Barbara, Frank, Jimmy and Michael, We are so sorry for your loss and hope that your wonderful memories and the presence of family and friends around you bring you comfort at this difficult time. We will keep you all in our prayers. Amy & Ahmed
- Amy and Ahmed Rafik, West Chester,, PA
Jim, just wanted to share my condolences on the passing of your dad. I'm so sorry for your loss, but it sounds like your father enjoyed a wonderful, productive life. It's never easy though, losing a parent. All my best to you! Katie Weis Wohlberg
- Katie Weis Wohlberg, Anderson,, IN
Frank, Linda and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's peace and consolation be with you!
- Jim and Linda, ,
Mike and Carol, Your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.I know how wonderful it is to have such caring and loving parents,we have been so blessed. Sandy and Joey Adams (Cally's Grandmother and Kelly's Mother)
- Sandra Adams, Hawkinsville, Ga.
My deepest sympathy for the Willis Family. May reading God's word give you strength during this difficult time. Romans 15:4 tells us,"For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope."
- B.B, , Ga
Barbara, Frank, Jimmy and Michael, We are so sorry for your loss and hope that your wonderful memories and the presence of family and friends around you bring you comfort at this difficult time. We will keep you all in our prayers. Amy & Ahmed
- Amy and Ahmed Rafik, West Chester,, PA
Jim, just wanted to share my condolences on the passing of your dad. I'm so sorry for your loss, but it sounds like your father enjoyed a wonderful, productive life. It's never easy though, losing a parent. All my best to you! Katie Weis Wohlberg
- Katie Weis Wohlberg, Anderson,, IN
Frank, Linda and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's peace and consolation be with you!
- Jim and Linda, ,
Mike and Carol, Your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.I know how wonderful it is to have such caring and loving parents,we have been so blessed. Sandy and Joey Adams (Cally's Grandmother and Kelly's Mother)
- Sandra Adams, Hawkinsville, Ga.
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
