Paul H. Willis' Obituary
Sterling, Virginia - Paul H. Willis, 86, passed peacefully from the arms of his loving family to the loving arms of his LORD on December 7, 2010. Willis was born September 29,1924 in Caswell County, North Carolina to parents, Jennie Lunsford Willis and Peter Paul Willis, both deceased.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Audrey Slade Willis of Sterling, and four children; sons Paul Thompson Willis (Carolyn), Shepherdstown, West Virginia.; Daniel Dale Willis (Diane), Nashville, Tennessee; Philip David Willis (Dolores), Sterling; and daughter Rebecca Willis Dean also of Sterling; nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Willis is survived by two sisters, Mildred Laughon, Burlington, NC and Nancy Shelton, Yanceyville, NC, and was predeceased by brothers Jimmy Willis and Mack Willis of Yanceyville, NC and sister Anne Swicegood, Burlington, NC.
Willis, a pitcher, played professional baseball for the New York Giants organization in the 1940s. In 1950 the young family moved from Danville, Virginia., to Washington DC where Willis, a master carpenter began a thirty plus year career with the Smithsonian Institution. Willis served as supervisor of the Smithsonian Cabinet Shop and from 1956-1988 was in charge of all construction for the Smithsonian. Willis was responsible for construction of the Elephant in the Rotunda of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum among other projects. Retirement provided Willis opportunities for time with family. He relished the musical talents of his children, and grandchildren and especially enjoyed frequent family and holiday sing a- longs, as well as religious services.
Visitation is scheduled from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle in Leesburg. Funeral services are planned for 11 am, Friday, Dec. 10 at Leesburg Church of the Nazarene, 17667 Roxbury Hall Road in Leesburg and internment at Sterling Cemetery, 45835 Church Road in Sterling. Memorials to Leesburg Church of the Nazarene Ministries.
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