James W. Willis

Published 3:58 pm Wednesday, October 24, 2018

James W. Willis, age, 85 of Elizabethton, TN went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 in Elizabethton. James was the son of the late Robert and Julie Bales Willis. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife Betty Willis and his second wife Annie Willis, a son; Kenny Willis; a sister, Irene Herron and two brothers, Ray Willis and Glen Willis. He was of the Freewill Baptist faith.

Those left to cherish his memory include three sons; Robbie Willis and fiancé Chloe of Elizabethton, Sonny Willis (Lori) of Elizabethton, Lee Willis of Bluff City, one grandson; Marty Willis (Nikki) of Johnson City, three great grandchildren; Kayden Willis of Elizabethton, Brayden Willis and Bailee Willis of Johnson City and one brother; Johnny Willis (Carolyn) of Fall Branch. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26, 2018 in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services with Preacher Bud Malone officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:30 pm – 4:00 p.m. on Friday prior to the service.

Interment will follow the service on Friday at Sunrise Cemetery, Bluff City, TN.  Active pallbearers will be Robbie Willis, Marty Willis, Jacob Graybeal, Alex Yates, Jamie Moser and Sonny Willis.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Tisha Tolley for her loving care. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers are asked to make donations to Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-1942.  Online condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.  Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Willis family.  Office: (423) 543-5544