Contributions to the tribute of William Willis

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The family of William Willis uploaded a photo

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

2

The family of William Willis uploaded a photo

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

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Janet Knight-Spence posted a condolence

Monday, September 8, 2014

I have many good memories of Bill as leader, Drum Major, pf our band at JHS. He had a great sense of humor too. I would like to give my condolences to Bill's family at this time.

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Cindy Boudrie-Bromley posted a condolence

Sunday, September 7, 2014

I will always remember Bill's smile . He was such a fun guy and always smiling had a lot of fun with him in school . Keeping his family in my prayers.

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Kim Lawson posted a condolence

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Oh Bill, I hope you didn't feel any pain. You always made me laugh and you will always be my friend. Wish I could be there, but we'll meet again. Prayers to all of the family. Take care Bill...Sincerely, Kim Lawson XOO :)

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Mike Fitzpatrick lit a candle

Saturday, September 6, 2014

I won't say goodbye, just farewell my friend. We will meet again Billy! Thank you for being my friend! Love You - Fitz

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Mike Fitzpatrick posted a condolence

Saturday, September 6, 2014

On the first day of high school in 1971 at Jefferson I was scared to death. I was coming from St. Charles and knew very few other students. We were on split sessions back then and classes started at 1pm. I was sitting outsided the locker room after football practice anxiously waiting for school to start. Then a tall blond kid with glasses approached me and asked if I was in band first hour? (he saw my flute case) . I said yes, and he said so am I. He told me to come with him and he would show me where to go. Then our teacher, Mr. Todd, told us we needed to locker with someone in our first hour class. So this same kid walked over to me and said "do you have someone to locker with?". I answered no, and he said I'm Bill Willis, why don't you locker with me?That is how I met William Lamar Willis. Our friendship grew from that day forward. During the next four years we shared laughter, tears, good and bad times. Bill knew everything about me, and I knew him inside and out. We could talk to each other about anything, and we did. Billy Willis was a unique and wonderful friend. He was kind to a fault, gracious, funny and smart. We spent countless hours together through high school enjoying sports, movies, 50's musc, and many other things. As often happens in life, friends drift apart through the years because of work, marriage, kids, and all of the things that now require our attention. So, as the years rolled by I saw less and less of Bill. I would hear news of what was happening in his life, and yes, I knew he had struggles, as we all do. I always wanted to get in touch wih him more, but it just didn't happen enough. As life goes on, and we lose touch with our childhood friends, and we make new friends. I actually think they are more acquaintances than friends for the most part. They weren't there when you had your first date, your first kiss, your first heartbreak, or your first beer. They can never know you like your childhood friends did. So, even though I saw Bill less and less as the years rolled by, I still considered him one of my best friends. We shared too much as kids and young adults for it to be any other way. Do I wish I would have reached out to him more as we grew older? Certainly I do. I will always regret that I ddn't try harder to stay in touch with him. What I will never regret, or forget, is that I had the honor of being one of Billy's friends. As Bill used to say, "I'm a misunderstood man of my time". I understood though, and until we meet again, I will treasure the time we spent together. I know I'm rambling, but allow me one last story. Several years ago on a Sunday night, Bill called me from one of his favorite watering holes on Front St. When I answered the phone he was singing Del Shannon's Runaway as loud as he could. Of course he had to sing the entire song before we could talk. And talk we did. For over an hour he told me what was happening in his life, the good and the bad. Billy never sugarcoated things either. We laughed our butts off,and of course made the promise to get together soon. After an hour Bill said to me, "Fitz, I'm using this guy's phone and he wants it back now. I said, who's phone is it? Billy said " I have no idea, I just asked him if I could use his phone and now he wants it back. Classic Bill Willis! At the end of the call Bill said, I gotta go man. Hey Fitz...I Love ya man! I said Billy, I love you too. Take good care of yourself would you. That was the last time I talked to my friend Bill Willis, and I am glad the conversation ended as it did. Billy had his issues, but he was a loyal friend, and had a beautiful heart and soul. I know that one day I will see him again. My deepest sympathy to all of Bill's family and friends, especilly his children. William Lamar Willis will be missed. Farewell old friend!

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Karl and Lichele Bausman posted a condolence

Saturday, September 6, 2014

We attended the same high school and are friends of Jeannie and Brian Kohler. We are so sorry for your family's loss. Our prayers go out to your entire family.

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Nancy (Oetting) Pirritano posted a condolence

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Lamar and family, So very sad to hear about Bill's passing. Fond memories from high school and band with him and his "always" big smile and personality. Prayers being lifted for all of you. Peace and healing, Nancy Oetting Pirritano

In loving memory of

William

1957 - 2014