ARTHUR WILLIS

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Arthur Willis, 83, of Ironton, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at his residence. The Coal Grove native was born Feb. 5, 1926, the son of the late William and Ethel May Dalson Willis. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Lyons Johnson Willis, who passed away Jan. 3, 1999.
Mr. Willis attended Ironton Schools, was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran and a former union construction worker with Teamster Local 83 of Portsmouth. He was a member of Mamre Baptist Church, where he supported missionaries. He also supported the Jews and their return home to Israel. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, family outings and his Bible Study.
In addition to his parents, and wife, he was also preceded in death by two daughters, Nita Jane Willis and Diana Turley; a son, Timothy Willis
He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Linda Willis of Winder, Ga.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Gilda and Bob Vance and Teresa and Kevin Euton, both of Ironton; two daughters, Tonda Willis and Carol Walker, both of Ironton; 12 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a sister, Helen Freeman of Huntington Park, Calif., and a brother, Jim Willis of Muncie, Ind.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Phillips Funeral Home, with the Revs. Jeff Davenport and Ryan McKee officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Military graveside rites by VFW Post 8850. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.