James Mackey Willis

James "Jack" M. Willis, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born in Mitchell Co., GA on October 21, 1929 to the late Clarence William and Ruby Butler Willis. He married the love of his life, Maxine Spence Willis, on May 22, 1949, and they were married for 61 years until her death in July of 2010. He was a retired manager for Coats and Clark Mill after 45 years of dedicated service. Mr. Willis was also an outstanding salesman for Franklin Life Insurance Co. for many years while his four children attended the University of Georgia. He served in the U. S. Army from 1948-1949. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pelham. A big part of his and his wife's lives was being involved in the Pelham Masonic Lodge. He was a part of this group for over 50 years, including being treasurer for many years until his wife's health began to fail. He also enjoyed being a Shriner and knowing that many children who were burned could receive free treatment. Mr. Willis was one of the founding members of Ravenwood Academy and spent many weekends helping to get the school buildings ready for the first year. He served as Booster Club President at Ravenwood for many years and helped to make the school special. He loved to fish and work with wood. He built his home in 1955 and shared many happy memories with his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maxine Spence Willis, his parents the late Clarence William and Ruby Butler Willis, his brother Clarence William Willis, Jr., and Hugh Lee Willis, sister Mildred W. King, all of Pelham and one granddaughter, Cathleen M. Willis of South Carolina. He is survived by his children Dr. James Timothy Willis and wife, Marge, of Thomasville, GA, Cheryl W. Katz of Atlanta, GA, Rev. Carl William Willis and wife, Christine, of Chattanooga, TN, Brenda W. Ferros and husband, Mike, of Pelham, GA, grandchildren Jason Willis and wife, Hisa, of Thomasville, GA, Tyler Willis of Thomasville, GA, Sarah Katz of Atlanta, GA, Christopher Willis and wife, Kira, of Chattanooga, TN, Casey Willis of Chattanooga, TN, Ryan Ferros of Americus, GA, great grandchildren Austin and Breanna Willis of Thomasville, GA, Elijah, Phoenix and Montana Eldon of Chattanooga, TN, brother Lawrence "Larry" Willis and wife, Barbara, of Jacksonville, FL and numerous nieces and nephews who loved their "Uncle Jack". Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 5 until 7 p.m. at Jamerson Funeral Home in Pelham, GA. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Herman Hampton officiating, assisted by Rev. Carl Willis. Pallbearers will be grandsons Jason Willis, Christopher Willis, Tyler Willis, Ryan Ferros and nephews Billy Daughtry, Roger Daughtry, Elzie Jones and Mike Jones. Interment will take place in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. In leiu of flowers, please make donations to the Pelham Masonic Lodge or SouthernCare Hospice, 412 1st St., S. E., Moultrie, GA 31768.