William "Bill" Earl Willis, of Niota, died Friday, May 8, 2009, at his residence.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late Earl and Nellie Marie Frisbie Willis. He was preceded in death by one son, Billy Ray Willis; and one brother, Roy Willis. He was a member of Union-McMinn Baptist Church and was retired from McMinn County Schools. He fostered many children in his life. He loved to help others and had battled cancer for several years.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Shirley Devine Willis of Niota; two daughters and sons-in-law, Crystal and Travis Vogus of Athens, and Candie and Ernie Gravett of Niota; four sons and one daughter-in-law, Ricky Willis, Ned John and Leslie Jones, Josh Willis and Buck Wagner, all of Niota; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Kenneth and Margareta Willis and Donald Willis, all of Niota; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Mary Ruth and Calvin Hester and Marie Stephens, all of Niota; seven grandchildren, Alexia, Ryan and Jaida Vogus, Caden Willis and Kyler, Malachi and Ezekiel Jones; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were 8 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Howard White and the Rev. Scott Brewster officiating. Burial was 11 a.m. Monday in Union-McMinn Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Jeffery Dawson, Darrell Cook, Lynn Cook, Chris Ratledge, Michael Willis, Donnie Willis, Jerry Sharp, Rex Jones III and Scotty Willis.

The family received friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Those not able to attend may send condolencesto mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com