In Memoriam : Edward Willis

Edward Willis - age: 82
(July 13, 1934 to March 31, 2017 )
Resident of Exeter, California

Visitation Information:
A Memorial service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Evans Miller Guinn Chapel.

Obituary:
Edward Lee Willis was born August 14, 1934 in Caney Oklahoma. Ed was a tough and caring man who loved family and enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. Ed considered Ray Martin and all the Martins part of his family.
Ed grew up working in the fields with his family. He fondly remembered large family gatherings where his mother would play the piano and sing. When Ed was old enough, he joined the Navy. After leaving the Navy, he became one of the best truck drivers in the country. Companies from across the United States tried to recruit him to drive for them. Ed loved driving truck and did so for many years until forced to retire. Ed was a faithful Los Angeles Rams and Anaheim Angels fan. He was very competitive in city league softball and basketball. He had great team members who played to win, and usually did. When Ed was older, he sponsored an “Old Timers” softball tournament, and received a standing ovation for striking out, this was something not many people had seen. Ed enjoyed leather work and was a great craftsman. He had the opportunity to craft items for loved ones as well as Exeter Police Department and Merle Haggard. Ed loved Oklahoma and after retirement made several trips to visit, he will be making his final trip to his childhood home in Oklahoma next week. Prior to his passing, Ed had lost his Father Charles Willis of Mesquit, Texas, Mother Francis Westerman of Farmersville, CA and Brother Dooney Willis of Ceres, California.
Ed is survived by his wife of many years, Maxine Willis of Exeter, California; two brothers, Billy Roy Willis of Visalia, CA and Doyle Wayne McKee of Arroyo Grande, CA; three children, Gary Lee Willis of Olympia Washington, Cheryl Willis of Exeter, CA, Kay Smith and Husband Shawn Smith of Maysville, OK; nine Grandchildren, Tiffany Willis of Olympia, WA, Kyrie Willis of Olympia, WA, Rebecca Vitale of Exeter, CA, Davina Walton of Tulare, CA, Andrew Walton of Hanford, CA, Shane Smith of Norman, Ok, Ashley Smith of Woodlake, CA, Jonathon Smith of Tulare, CA and Makalya Smith of Oklahoma City, OK and his four beloved dogs: Cherokee, Keyo, Wendy and Sugar.







Naomi "Landers" Walker - April 5, 2017Contact this person Contact this person
Gary, Cheryl, Kay and Maxine I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wish I could be there for you all