Donald R. Willis
August 12, 1941 – February 14, 2021
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service, with full military honors will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in the near future. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Portage, care of the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave a condolence message.
Obituary
Donald Willis, age 79 passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021. He was born in Marion, Ohio on August 12, 1941, the son of Robert and Viola (Winnen) Willis. After graduating high school, Don joined the United States Army and served our country for 20 years. He traveled all over the world. After being honorably discharged in 1978, he began another adventure. Don was instrumental in the development of a company called AutoShack which would eventually become AutoZone. As a distribution manager Don would continue to travel. Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, and Ohio were just some of the places Don called home as AutoZone centers began to grow. There cannot be enough emphasis on the love Don had for family and friends. He loved to cook! It brought him joy to entertain and cook for others. Anyone who knew Don would agree his personality and sense of humor was magnetic. He loved yard sales and not just to buy and sell, but the social connection with people brought him happiness. Don loved Church, and his passion for cooking and people was evident there also. He enthusiastically looked forward to preparing the Men’s breakfast. Don’s fondest memories took place in Boston Massachusetts as a young man, and as an adult San Antonio Texas. His son, Michael Willis has so many stories that space does not allow for them all. He leaves to cherish his memory his son Michael Willis, brother Paul Willis, sister Sue Willis, sister Dorothy Willis, and sister Lou Labor, along with close, long-time friend Frances Thompson.
Don has been a dear friend for many years. We, along with Don and Shirley shared many good times, both in church and at our homes. RIH, sweet man, and know you will be greatly missed. Prayers and love to the family and Frances. May the Lord be with you and bring you peace. Mel & Janet
Dear Uncle Don, may you rest in peace. I am so proud to be your first nephew. You and your brother Paul, my father were so close. Some of my fondest memory’s are when you came to live with us in Boston and when you sign up for the Army and would come home on leave. I can remember each time you would come home, a cab would come down Baxter St and you would get out of the back seat in full dress uniform, boy you look good and I was so proud. And when you ran the Burnson Liquor warehouse on Albany St and you would hire me to work during the Christmas rush. What about the time you caught me drinking when I was not old enough you con me into telling on my self but you never told anyone. You and your brother Paul were great horseshoe players, no one could beat you two. I enjoyed our phone calls the last few months and wish I could have seen you before you went to heaven. I will miss you but I will always have those special memory’s there are so many stories to tell. Love Your Nephew Paul
My heart is very heavy my hole life you have been apart of it for everything I love you so much RIP my dear uncle prayers for Michael as he will need them Love you forever and a say your 1 st niece and name sake donna
So sorry to hear about Don. Great man, great chef, great entertainer and also the best Step-Father-In-Law a guy could ask for. Had so many fun evenings playing games and eating with Don and Shirley at their home in Vicksburg. Rest in peace my friend.
Uncle Don. May peace be with you and I was always happy to see you when Edward and I were younger. Sorry that I couldn’t be there to see you but I definitely know that I am so glad that you’re not suffering anymore. May God Bless your whole family and friends. R.I.P. Uncle Don. Love and Miss you! Minister Kandy Trutt Willis Marshall