William Thomas Willis, Jr.

William Thomas Willis, Jr. passed away, in his home, on July 1, 2022.  He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on December 8, 1951, to William Willis, Sr. and Evelyn Staggs Willis.

William loved his family dearly.  He also loved music, food and cars. He possessed the ability to pick up just about any instrument and play completely by ear.  For many years, he played the guitar around Oklahoma, Kansas and the surrounding areas with his band, Hot Rod.  On one occasion, a grandchild asked him to attend a 'parents day’ event requiring her to teach someone to play a song on her instrument.  She played the violin and of course, her grandfather had no trouble picking out Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star at her instruction.   William had an extensive record collection and was working toward a podcast to play his records for others to enjoy.  His daughters plan to continue with this plan.

William was a foodie long before the word became popular.  Anytime there was a get-together, an outing or any plans being made, he wanted to know what they were going to eat, before they got started. Molly said he polled every doctor and nurse in the hospital as to what their favorite bar-b-que joint was.

He and Molly were married 36 years and had seven great kids.

William is survived by his wife, Molly, his children; William Willis, III, Carolyn Smith, John Willis, Ronald Willis, Tonya Willis and husband, Soeb Mulla, Anna Willis and husband, Ray Callicott, Daniel Willis ,12 wonderful grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends that will miss him dearly.

Pallbearers for the service will be; John, Daniel and Tatum Willis, Raymond Callicott, Shane and Shawn Atkin.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Thomas Willis, Jr., please visit our floral store.