Joseph Raymond Willis Sr.

Joseph Raymond Willis Sr., 90, 1430 Whispering Pines Road, Johnson City passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017 in the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a native of Johnson City and was a son of the late John and Emma Vanhoy Willis. Mr. Willis was a U.S. Army veteran having served his country as a Medic during World War II. He founded Willis Battery in 1966 and operated that business until 2012. Mr. Willis attended Beech Cliff Baptist Church and Knob Creek Church of the Brethren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Florence McInturff Willis who passed away January 23, 2017; also several brothers and sisters. Survivors include his children, Donna Smith and husband, Douglas of Elizabethton, Steve Willis of Erwin, Mike Willis of Johnson City, Joseph R. Willis Jr. of Johnson City, Dennis Willis and wife, Donna of Johnson City, Ronnie Willis and wife, Scarlet of Fall Branch, Connie Greenley and husband, Phillip of Kentucky, Debbie Kelley of Texas and Anita France of Johnson City; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. Willis will be conducted at 7:00 PM Thursday, March 23, 2017 in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City with Rev. Bill Younce and Dennis Willis Jr. officiating. Special music will be provided by The Duggers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 PM until the service hour. Other times at the residence. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 24, 2017 in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Caleb Smith, Joe Sneyd, Tim Willis, Greg Willis, Denny Willis, Ronnie Willis Jr. and Jonathan Willis. For those attending this service you are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 AM to go in procession to the cemetery. Visitation: Thursday March 23 2017 - 5:00 to 7:00 PM Services: Thursday 7:00 PM Interment: Friday March 24 2017 - 11:00 AM Roselawn Memory GardensRead Obituary