Joe C. “J.C.” Willis, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, left this earth and his suffering behind to go home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 24, 2010.
J. C. leaves behind his precious wife of 68 years, Edilene; his daughter, Marie Fairchild; his sons, James “Buster” and wife, Debra, and Billy Joe and special loving friend, Hwan Kim. Pawpaw Willis also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Jim Fairchild, Len and Danielle Fairchild, Clifton and Leta Willis, Jolene and Eric Strickland, Kim and Daniel Davion, and Jody Willis and fiancee, James Sweet; and great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Kirsten and Lauren Willis and Braden, Carson, Ava and Cela Rose Strickland.
J. C. was born in McHenry in 1925 and resided there his entire life with the exception of a short time when he and Edilene resided in New Orleans and when he proudly served his country in the Army in World War II.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Georgia Tiner Willis; his father, William C. Willis; and his grandparents, Jim and Emma Bond Tiner, who raised him after the death of his mother when he was an infant. He often spoke of Nannie & Poppa Tiner and their great influence on his life. J. C. was also proceeded in death by his special son-in-law, Hartley Fairchild, and his aunt, Bertha Tiner Melancon.
J. C. was a lifelong member of McHenry First Baptist Church where he was Deacon Emeritus. He served in many capacities including church treasurer for over 20 years. J. C. was known for his love and support of the church where he often quietly provided assistance in his humble manner. He was instrumental in building the current sanctuary and provided labor and timber for it. He was always happiest when serving the Lord and he answered Jesus’ call to join Him for Sunday Services in Heaven the morning he died.
J. C. was a heavy equipment operator and was self-employed for many years running his own Caterpillar bulldozer. He was known as one of the best dozer operators in South Mississippi where he cleared a lot of land and built many ponds. He was also employed, in his early years, at the shipyard in New Orleans and helped build the sand beach on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The visitation was held at Moore Funeral Home Chapel in Wiggins on Monday, January 25. Funeral services were held at the chapel at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26 with burial in the McHenry Gardens Cemetery, where J. C. cleared the land for the cemetery.
Rev. Wayne Flurry, a dear friend of the family, conducted the services.
Pallbearers included his grandson, Jim and Len Fairchild and Clifton Willis; grandsons-in-law, Eric Strickland and Daniel Davion; and family friend, Tommy Hill. Honorary pallbearers included Robert Taylor, David Newbill, Pete Butler and George McGee. Music was provided by Karen McQueen and Debrah Webb, vocalist.
The family has been tremendously blessed by so many people who have cared for J. C. during his extended illness and we thank each of you. You will never know what your loving care for him has meant to each of us. Special thanks to Dr. Song and the staff of Stone County Hospital and the Rehab facility. Also, we want to express our sincerest appreciation to Dawn, PawPaw’s special nurse, who cared for him at the end. Dawn, you were sent by God to minister to us in our time of need and your gentle care for PawPaw and the love you showed for him and our family will never be forgotten. To our friends and family, especially our church family, at McHenry First Baptist Church, you are a blessing and your love for J. C. and our family has strengthened and encouraged us through the past four years. God bless you all.
