William R. Willis, Sr.

     William R. Willis, Sr., 97, of Chillicothe, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, at 6:23 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023 at The Vineyards at Concord, Frankfort, Ohio, following an extended illness.

     He was born July 27, 1925, in Portsmouth, OH, to the late Willard R. and Sadie M. Lovins Willis.  On August 4, 1966, he married the late Lorraine V. Waters who passed October 19, 2007. 

     Surviving are children, Karen (David) Smith, of Chillicothe, William R. Willis, Jr., of Chillicothe, Jennifer (Michael) Arledge, of Las Vegas and Beth (Travis) Hill, of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Tracy Smith, of Chillicothe, David Smith, of Phoenix, AZ, Jon Willis, of Chillicothe, Mekaila Miller, of Mobile, AL and Matthew Miller, of Chillicothe; great grandchildren, Joseph, Joshua, Sloane and Myra; and great great grandsons, Camden and Brayden.  He was predeceased by a son, Michael Willis; brothers, Willard, Charles and Donald Willis; and a sister, Lois Cutright. 

     Bill was a retired self employed semitruck driver.  He served in the United States Navy during World War II.  Bill was a member and Past Commander of AMVETS Post 4 and had attended Jefferson Avenue CCCU. 

     The family would like to extend a “thank you” to the staffs of Buckeye Hospice and The Vinyards for the wonderful care given to Bill and compassion shown to our family during this time. 

     A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Huntington Township Cemetery with Pastor Mark Clendaniel officiating.  Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.  There will be no calling hours.  Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.

     You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com

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