Jimmy Wayne Willis

Funeral service for Jimmy Wayne Willis, 75, of Spring Garden will be Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Thompson Funeral home with the Rev. Floyd Willis, Rev. Stanley Willis, Rev. David Ingram and Jim Ward officiating. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Nances Creek Cemetery. Jimmy went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving wife Melissa and family. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, who he considered the love of his life, Melissa Ingram Willis of Spring Garden; four children, Tina Ward (Jim) of North Carolina; Jeremy Willis, Telisha Ward and Alisha Robertson, all of Spring Garden; six grandchildren, Samuel Ward (Jessica), Cassie Ward (Justin), Lane Chamblee (Daniel), Harley Robertson, Dakota Robertson (Haven) and Brooklyn Dumas; seven great-grandchildren, Grant, Cadee, Sadie, Lily, Mason, Leah and Apollo; one sister, Martha Hancock (Paul) of Nancees Creek; two brothers, Rev. Floyd Willis(Elsie) of Nancees Creek, and Rev. Stanley Willis (Sandra) of Fayette; sister-In-law, Janet Hilburn of Spring Garden; brother-In-law. Rev. David Ingram (Elaine) of Spring Garden; several nieces and nephews and chosen family, Angie, Amanda and Emily Crane. Pallbearers will be Samuel Ward, Cassie Ward, Justin Quinn, Lane Chamblee, Daniel Chamblee, Harley Robertson, Dakota Robertson and Haven Plunk. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Willis, Chris Willis, Marlin Willis, Robert Parker and Barry Kiser. Jimmy was a native of Nances Creek and was a resident of Spring Garden for 30 years. He was of the Holiness faith and was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran. He received the purple heart and several decoration medals such as the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Expert Rifle Medal. He was a member of American Legion Post 98 and was the owner of Jim’s Fireworks for over 30 years. He was the owner of Miracle Ear and Beltone in North Carolina, Piedmont and surrounding areas. He enjoyed working outdoors, especially with his John Deer Tractor. He and Melissa enjoyed road-trips across the country. He loved red automobiles and was an avid Alabama football fan. Jimmy was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and loved spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jamie Ward; parents, Sanford and Myra Rainey Willis; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Frances Willis; brother-in-law, Michael Hilburn, daughter in law, Gena Dumas and his loyal dog Rusty. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Amedysis Hospice especially, Angela Payne, Randi West and Brandi Vance, and to his special caregiver, his granddaughter, Harley Robertson for always being there and showing all her love and support to her Pawpaw.

Jimmy Wayne Willis

August 10, 1947 - January 26, 2023