Jimmy was born on February 25, 1944 in Rutherford County, NC to the late Bud Willis II and Emily Rollins Willis.  He was veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the U.S. Navy in the 58th Mobile Construction Battalion.  He worked as an Operations Supervisor for Duke Energy for 32 years before his retirement.  He was a member of High Shoal Baptist Church and participated in the local VFW and DAV chapters. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #460, Thermal Belt Shrine Club, the Cliffside #100 Order of the Eastern Star and the Oasis Temple. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing, but more than anything he loved being with his family. 

     Survivors include his loving wife of 29 years, Patsy Melton Willis; three daughters, Lisa Horton of Galax, VA, Shelley Willis Smith and husband, Alan of Bessemer City, NC, Sharon Ezell and husband, Rev. Bryan Ezell of Harris, NC; one sister, Rachel Shaffer and husband, Fred of Ellenboro; one brother, Bud Willis III and wife, Linda of Pawleys Island, SC; two cousins, Joan Benfield and husband, Gerald of Forest City and Diane Rollins of Brevard, NC.  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jordan Smith, Emma Smith, Brianna Ezell, Emily Ezell and Sarah Ezell.

     Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at High Shoal Baptist Church with Reverend Michael Pardue, Reverend Alvin Melton and Reverend Bryan Ezell officiating. Interment will follow in Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery with the Rutherford County Honor Guard providing military honors. The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.  At other times they will be at the family residence.

     Memorials are suggested to the Playground Fund @ High Shoal Baptist Church, 248 High Shoals Road, Mooresboro, NC  28114.

     Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the Willis Family.