Mr. Melvin Willis

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven…”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Mr. Melvin Willis, the fourth child of the late Mr. Will and Mrs. Mary Chappell Willis, was born in Cleveland, OH on July 7, 1945. Shortly after his birth, the family moved from Ohio to Tuskegee, AL where he spent the first eight years of his life. Those early years in the Deep South taught Melvin to value family—to love and protect each member and to stay together.

After the family moved back to Cleveland in 1953, Melvin matriculated through the schools of Cuyahoga County, OH later graduating from East Tech High School. Following graduation, he began a career as an electronic technician, first working at Ohio Illuminating Company and later the General Electric Corporation. “Big”, as he was affectionately called, knew the importance of an honest day’s work. After more than twenty-five years with General Electric, he retired in 2004.

During the latter part of 2004, Melvin moved to Valdosta in order to be close to his siblings, nieces, and nephews. Not one to sit idle, he became an avid traveler, visiting varied exotic places taking his nephew, Joshua, with him. He doted on his nieces and nephews and was generous beyond measure to each of them. He celebrated their accomplishments and every milestone in their lives, making each one a memorable experience. Melvin took immense pride in his family and was a constant source of love, encouragement and understanding.

Not only did moving to Valdosta bring Melvin closer to his family, but it also brought about a life-changing event. He came to the realization that if he called upon the Lord and acknowledged Him as Savior, He would save him. Melvin accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior under the discipleship of Dr. Norman Edwards. He heard the knock, opened the door of his heart, and allowed Christ to come and be Lord of his life.

In the annals of time and the memories of those who loved him, Melvin will be remembered as a loving son, devoted brother, doting uncle, and a “one of a kind” friend who gave untiringly and loved unconditionally. The love that he gave to others was reciprocated in the altruistic care given to him by his brother, Robert, during his illnesses and subsequent hospitalization.

In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by three brothers: Morris Willis, Cranford Willis, and Will Willis, Jr.

Surround by his brother, sister in-law and friends, on Saturday, August 16, 2014, at South Georgia Medical Center, Melvin experienced another life-changing event. The Father whom he had learned to trust called Melvin “Big” Willis home, transitioning from time back into eternity.

He leaves to mourn his passing, one sister: Lillian Willis Bryant of Valdosta; one brother and sister in-law: Robert Willis (Brenda) of Valdosta; three nieces: Angela Bell of Cleveland, OH, Staci Willis Rawlings of Valdosta, and Dr. Lindsey Willis of North Augusta, SC; three nephews: Min. Tyrone Harrison of Jacksonville, FL, Laron Willis of Cleveland, OH, and Joshua Willis of Valdosta, several great nephews, nieces, cousins, and two best friends: William and Robert Harris of Cleveland, OH.

The celebration of life for the late Mr. Melvin Willis will be held Friday, August 22, 2014 at 11:00am in the Godfrey Funeral Home Chapel.

Dr. Norman Edwards will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Mt. Olive Church Cemetery.