Obituaries

Jerry and I met Bill and Phyllis when we took some of the same trips they took , and Phyllis was one of the two who made the arrangements. They were a most wonderful couple. We all grew to love them. Both were accomplished, friendly , and a joy to know. Bill was interested in everyone, and it was obvious that he was a person of integrity and character. Bill brought the best food using Phyllis ‘s recipes or bringing lots of his great peanut Pattie’s to share when we were able to get the group together. We will never forget all the great times we shared. Our condolences go out to his family. We are proud to have been his friend.

Posted by Jerry and Anita Deiter on February 3, 2022

I have known Bill since about 1949 he was a good teacher , good Boy Scout leader, good friend, good moral family man. He taught me at the Blackgum School and taught my kids at Vian school. He will be missed by our family very much.

Posted by Donald Robertson on January 31, 2022

I am a former Braggs student of Mr. Bill Willis . A few months ago Jack Oslin and I visited Mr. Willis in his home and interviewed him for a Braggs History Book. He shared many funny stories from his teaching career at Braggs School. I sent him a copy of the interview. I hope the family enjoys reading his stories. He was a gentleman and a favorite teacher. He will be missed by many. Pat Isbell

Posted by Pat isbell on January 31, 2022

Mr. Willis was a great teacher. I would see him at Dad's annual fish fry. He made sure to remined me of the time he paddled me and another for jumping out of the swings and running into class as the tardy bell rang. He always said "if you had just waited and walked in with me instead of running into the classroom thinking I would not see you. I would not have paddled you." Always teaching a lesson. Sorry for your loss as he was very well thought of and respected.

Posted by Laura Robertson Nunnery on January 31, 2022

To the Willis family ~~ Please allow me to express condolences on behalf of the Braggs History Project. Mr. Willis taught at Braggs School for a number of years. In 1971, he would return to marry two sets of former students. They kidded him, it must have worked. In 2021, they celebrated their 50th anniversaries. Several months ago, he was interviewed for an upcoming Braggs Book. He shared many stories on students and faculty members from the classroom to school trips. As we all know teachers come and go at schools. Some leave little behind them and some leave much. While Mr. Willis was at Braggs School, he brightened our days and enriched our lives. With our deepest sympathies, Fran Barker for the Braggs History Project

Posted by Fran Barker on January 30, 2022

A great man and preacher. I’m lucky to have grown up with him and his family. They are a great group of human beings. Love and prayers for you all. Bill is where he wanted to be!❤️🙏❤️🙏

Posted by Roger Johnson on January 30, 2022

I spent many nights at this mans house. He was a great teacher, principal, and all around good guy. He left an impression on many of us. He'll be missed.

Posted by Tom Davis, Jr on January 30, 2022

One of the best men ever. I still remember his wise and many different ways of wisdom of keeping me in line in school. I was a pistol and an very active student. His grin, chuckle and the shaking of his head. This memory/lessons learned are so in grained in my heart and life. Enjoy heaven Mr. Willis. Love and prayers to the family.

Posted by Cindy Pierce Shry on January 30, 2022