Harry Herman Willis was born December 16, 1931 in Portsmouth, Ohio and departed this life, surrounded by the love of his family, on June 15, 2018 at his home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri at the age of 86 years, 5 months and 30 days.
He was the son of Harry H. and Elizabeth Margaret (Payne) Willis.
Harry grew up and graduated high school in Portsmouth, Ohio. After graduation, he embarked on a military career with the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country for 24 years, retiring as Chief Master Sergeant in 1972. After retiring from the military, Harry became a district manager with the MCI Corporation where he worked until his retirement in 1988.
On May 1, 1988, Harry was united in marriage with Barbara “Carol” Cunningham in Kansas City, Missouri. After their marriage, Harry and Barbara made their home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri.
Harry was a completely devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother and uncle. His family brought joy to his life, and he was the happiest when he was surrounded by them.
Harry was preceded in death by one son, David Bookout; his parents, Harry H. and Elizabeth Willis and one brother, Ed Willis.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Willis of the home; three sons, Charles Anthony Willis and wife Donna of Harrisonville, Missouri, Mickeal Willis of Pleasant Hill, Missouri and Jeff Bookout of Belton, Missouri; three daughters, Gwen Jacob and husband Bill of Warrensburg, Missouri, Susan Peterson and husband Von of Adrian, Missouri and Joan Jeffers of Warsaw, Missouri; one sister, Pat Hillard of Savannah, Georgia; 22 grandchildren, 24 great- grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter, other relatives and many, many friends.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the Wills Cemetery, 21825 S. Thorngrove Road, Peculiar, Missouri with Pastor Keith Swartz officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard of Pleasant Hill, Mo. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Carol Willis.
4 Messages
Carol, sooooooo! sorry for your loss Harry was a very kind and giving person and I always enjoyed visiting with him. MY CONDOLENCES BARB
My sincere condolences for your loss may the God of comfort be with your family during this most difficult time. Please find comfort from these words 2Corinthians 1:3, 4 and John 5:28,29.
Carol, I am sorry for your loss. Harry was my Manager when I started working at MCI in 1982.. He was a great boss. The one thing I remember the most about Harry was, he would back his employees to the end, no matter what he never let anyone run down one of his employees.
I am so sad to hear of Harry’s passing. In 1979, with my being fresh out of the Air Force, Harry hired me to work at MCI and for the 5 years that I was at MCI, Harry was not just my boss, he was a mentor and more importantly, a FRIEND. When I last spoke with him a few months ago, we laughed and talked of the “old days” as well as where our lives had taken us in the ensuing years and I can say without any hesitation that my years at MCI were among the best that I have had and Harry played a large part in this, My sincerest condolences to the family and to all that knew and loved Harry as we have all lost a great man and a true friend. Rest in peace friend, you have earned it.
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