Edward Graydon Willis
Edward Graydon Willis
February 9, 2014
Edward Graydon Willis, 91, Jacksonville, Fla., (formerly of Russellville), passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2014, at his residence.
Mr. Willis proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for 30 years and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He served during World War II, Korean War, the Cuban Conflict and was a POW in the Phillipines during the Korean era. He served on the USS Saratoga, the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, the USS Forrestal, and the USS Enterprise. He won many medals and awards during his service career, including the Bronze Star, War World II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign, and six good conducts medals. He was a pilot in the Fighter’s Squadron 43. He retired from the Navy with an E8 rank.
The visitation will be from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, at Spry Memorial Chapel, with the memorial service following at 2 p.m. in the chapel with full military honors.
He is survived by his children, Sharri Willis Witt, Johnny J. Willis; daughter-in-law, Anita Willis; grandchildren, Douglas Scott Willis, Jr., Angela Bianca James, Donovan Edward Willis, Meagan Ashley Witt Willmarth, Kristian Duane Witt; great-grandchildren, Logan, Lily and Ava James, Katelyn Rose Willis, and two great-grandchildren on the way; siblings, Tommy Willis, Bobby Joe Willis, Lillian “Peggy Lou” Willis Carlisle; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mazelle Cain Willis; sons, James Edward Willis, Douglas Scott Willis, Sr.; parents, Ernest and Harriet (Gantt) Willis; siblings, Lola Murray, James Willis, Andy Willis, and Beulah Greenhill.
