Charles L. Willis

CHARLES LEE WILLIS, was born on December 13, 1930 to the late Harriet Peterson Willis and Charlie Mae Willis in Alberta, Virginia. He departed this life at home on January 31, 2011. Charles was the oldest of nine biological children born to Harriet and Charles Mae Willis: Annie W. Grant of Norfolk, Virginia, William Russel Willis of Alberta, Virginia, Mae Louis Trotter of Detroit, Michigan, George M. Willis of Alberta, Virginia, Bernice W. Miller (deceased), Bobby Eugene Willis of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Eunice W. Gilbert (deceased) and Tracy W. Christopher of Alberta, Virginia. Other sibling include three older siblings from his father’s previous marriage: Lilly W. Presley (deceased), John Edward Willis of Warfield, Virginia and Jent Willis; as well as two adopted siblings: James Earl William(deceased) and Randolph E. William (deceased). Charles was educated in the Brunswick County School System in Virginia. He jointed the United States Army at age twenty, serving a tour of duty in Germany where he was awarded an Occupational Medal and promoted to the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged on April 28, 1953. He re-enlisted three months later, served a second tour of duty in Germany, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged on June 24, 1955. Upon his discharge from the Army, Charles worked for Brunswick Lumber Company in Alberta, Virginia. He relocated to Baltimore, Maryland in the 1960’s. It was in Baltimore where he courted and later married Gladys G. Christian (deceased). To this union four children were born: Vanessa Harriet (deceased), Marcella Yvette, Stacey Leslie and Rodney Dwayne. Charles was employed with various trucking companies, ultimately retiring from Sterling Supply Corporation in 1990s. Charles enjoyed reminiscing about his days in the Army and his time on the road as a truck driver. He loved playing the lottery, dreaming of the day he would “hit it big”. Charles also enjoyed talking politics, and could be very opinionated… and strongwilled. He lived independently in The Oaks at Liberty senior apartment complex, and was known to walk three miles everyday, Anyone who traveled on Liberty Heights Avenue in the early mornings was sure to spot him in his “Charles Lee Strut”, with his arms swinging behind him or swinging a stick in his hand. Charles will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind: two daughters, Marcella Yvette Lewis and Stacey Leslie Willis; one son, Rodney Dwayne Willis; a son-in-law, Shawn Lewis; a daughter-in-law, Amy Willis; five granddaughters, Jazz-Monet Willis, Mekayla Lewis, Brianna and Imani Maddox and Raven Willis; two grandsons, Mekhi Lewis and Selah Satchell; four brothers, John Edward Willis (Mittie), William Russel Willis, George M. Willis (Catherine) and Bobby E. Willis (Emma Ruth); three sisters, Annie W. Grant, Mae Lois Trotter and Tracy Christopher; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Tributes

Charles L. Willis

December 13, 1930 - January 31, 2011