S. Charles Willis, JR.'s Obituary
WILLIS, S. CHARLES, JR.—Age 91, died peacefully Friday, August 19, 2011, after a loving and productive life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Dot Willis, and a son, Robert Willis. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Lou Willis, two daughters, Dr. Susan Willis and Cathey Pilkinton (Jerry), one son, Don Willis; a brother, Jack Willis; five grandchildren, Carrie Mills (Mike), Beth Parks (Brandon), Clint Pilkinton, Brittany Willis, and Andrew Willis; and two great-grandsons, Gabriel Mills and Zachary Mills. A native of Nashville, he graduated from East High School and Vanderbilt University (Class of 1942). At East High he was President of the Senior Class, editor of the Eagle newspaper, and on the varsity tennis team. At Vanderbilt, he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity, president of the Student Christian Association, and a member of the SEC championship varsity tennis team. During World War II he served as a Captain in Group Communications in the U.S. Air Force in the U.S. and Germany. He worked at Genesco for 36 years, retiring as Product Manager of men’s shoes and President of Fortune Shoe Company. Later he advised third-world countries on their shoe industries through a U.N. industrial program. He was a long-time, active member of Belle Meade United Methodist Church. A lifelong tennis player, he won 6 Southern championships, numerous state and city titles, served as President of both the state and city tennis associations, and was a 1996 initiate into the Tennessee State Tennis Hall of Fame. Visitation will be Sunday, August 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. in the lounge at Belle Meade United Methodist Church, 121 Davidson Road, and the service will be at the church on Monday, August 22, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service, followed by burial at Spring Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Belle Meade United Methodist Church, The Charlie Willis Tennis Fund, 506 Croley Drive, Nashville, TN 37209, dedicated to introducing beginners to tennis, or to Willowbrook Hospice, 381 Riverside Drive, Suite 440, Franklin, TN 37064. Arrangements by Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101.
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