Smsgt. James Harve Willis, Usaf (Ret.)

Early on the morning of Tuesday, May 12, 2020, James Harve Willis, 86, joined his Lord and Savior in heaven.

Mr. Willis was born on November 30, 1933, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to the late Harve and Etta Garland Willis. As the son of a mining family, he grew up in Utah, Virginia, and Arkansas. A graduate of Clarksville (Arkansas) High School, he excelled in football and enjoyed working on his grandfather’s farm. After graduation, he joined the National Guard before enlisting in the United States Army and ultimately transferring to the United States Air Force for a military career spanning three decades. His Air Force career carried him to Libya, Germany, and three tours in Vietnam before he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1975.

Following his decorated military service, Mr. Willis moved his family to Warner Robins where he continued his service to his country as a civilian at Robins Air Force Base. Highly respected and admired by his employees and his peers, he was a first line supervisor over four shops before retiring as a branch chief in January 2001. After retirement, he returned to work with defense related contractors, working until the age of 79. His entire career was spent in support of his country. In fact, he was so dedicated to his work that he even considered work to be his hobby although he did enjoy fishing when presented with the opportunity. Known as a gentle giant, Mr. Willis was a caring and respectful individual. He possessed a strong faith in God that he instilled in his family. Southside Baptist Church was his church home. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce McCoy Willis, and his granddaughter, Charity Willis.

His memory will forever be treasured by his adoring wife of thirty-six years, Marty Threlkeld Christianson Willis; his children, Tony Harve Willis (Barbara) of Niantic, Connecticut, Randy James Willis (Shelby) of Byron, Mark A. Christianson (Shannon English) of Savannah, and Erik Christianson (Lauren) of Bonaire; his grandchildren, Jeremy, Jacob, Scott, Amanda, Ashton, Katelyn, Brittain, Mackenzie, Christian, and Maggie; six great-grandchildren; and a host of other loving family members and friends.

A private service will be held at The Farmhouse at McCullough Funeral Home with interment following at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.