LESTER A. WILLIS

November 23, 1926 – January 9, 2012

Mr. Lester A. Willis, 85 of Elberton Highway, Iva, died Monday, January 9, 2012, at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.   Born in Hart County, Georgia, he was son of the late Luther and Lizzie Bailey Willis.  For over sixty years, he was married to Alice Bruce Willis of Iva. 

Mr. Willis was retired from the Owens Corning Fiberglass Company following twenty- six years of service.  Prior to that, he was associated with Jackson Mill in Iva for thirty years. Lester was a member of Waggoner’s Camping Club, and loved fishing, gardening, and water sports.  Mr. Willis was a member of Fellowship Wesleyan Church in Iva. 

Left to carry on his legacy are daughters, Rhonda W. Terry (Randy) of Anderson, Leslie W. Hamby (Jim) of Lexington, SC, and Robyn W. Cole (Preston) of Iva; a son Lonnie Willis of Iva; a brother Levis Willis (Janice) of Starr.  Also surviving are 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  Surviving from a previous marriage are two daughters Carolyn Knight (Jerry) and Joan Ball (Eddie) both of Simpsonville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Nora Lee Ashworth, Ruth Vickery and Lily Mae Thrasher; brothers Julian “Jack” Willis and infant brother Edward Willis. 

A service celebrating the life of Lester A. Willis will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012, at 2 PM at the Community Wesleyan Church (formally Fellowship Wesleyan Church),  at 1906 Elberton Highway, Iva, with Rev. Ron Hamilton and Rev. Stephen Love officiating.  Interment will follow in the Community Wesleyan Church Cemetery.  The family will be at the residence, 1506 Elberton Highway, Iva.  The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 12 PM – 1:30 PM at the Church. 

Those who choose may make a memorial contribution to the Building Fund, Community Wesleyan Church, PO Box 459, Iva, SC 29655.

A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.  THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES,  Anderson.