Obituary of George Columbus Willis III
George Columbus Willis, III was born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 7, 1941. He was the son of the late George Columbus Willis, II and Olivia (Nelson) Willis. He attended Madison High School, although he quit at age 17 telling his father he disliked school. His father promptly informed him that he would need a job and took him to the Marine Corp recruiting office. George would earn his GED while honorably serving his country. He obtained the rank of Sergeant before being discharged in February of 1964.
Those years serving his country shaped the rest of George’s life. He was a Patriot, a Proud “Gruff” Marine through and through, a “Man’s Man”. George never wore his feelings on his sleeve, but those who knew him understood his unconditional love, his kind-heartedness, and his generous spirit.
He married the love of his life, the former, Dorothy Budway, on June 26, 1974 in Trenton, Michigan. They would move from Rockwood purchasing a small piece of heaven in Raisinville Township in 1988. George loved to be outside putzing around his barn. He enjoyed bow and rifle seasons and deer and turkey hunting. He also tended carefully to his vegetable garden, looking forward to canning his crops each fall with his beloved Dottie. The couple received their spiritual nourishment as members of Bethany Eagles Nest Community Church.
For thirty years, George was employed by the Shell Oil Company at their Detroit Oil Distribution center. He would retire in 2004 as their head mechanic.
George Columbus Willis, III, age 79, of Monroe passed away at 9:09am on Christmas Day; December 25, 2020 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. He had been under the care of ProMedica Monroe Hospice. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a sister: Connie Willis and his stepmother: Helen Willis.
To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife of forty-six years: Dorothy "Dottie" Willis of Monroe; six children: George "Christopher" (Pat) Willis of Valdosta, Georgia, Veronica (Jim) Casey of Lake Orion, Lynda Roy of Flowery Branch, Georgia, Heather Willis of Valdosta, Georgia, Michelle Marasheski of Taylor, Michigan, and Aaron (Carrie) Willis of Redford, Michigan; two sisters: Holly (Rick) Lablanc of Oregon and Sydney Mayberry of Nashville, Tennessee; eighteen grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren with one on the way.
Graveside services are being planned at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan 48442. Military honors will be presented, and Pastor Louie Barnett will officiate. Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with his arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials for those who desire are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
