William Thomas Willis

    Mr. William Thomas Willis age 73 affectionally called “Tom” and “T.W” of Dickey Mill Rd.  was summoned by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 22, 2021 into eternal rest.  “T.W” was born on December 2, 1947 to Emma Willis Love (Flonnie) and Lonnie “Wilbert” Hester (Bernice).

    Tom was raised by his loving but stern grandparents, Charlie Preston and Frances Willis in the Miles Chapel Community.  He graduated from Central High School in Graham, NC in 1966.  After graduation, Tom was drafted in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict.  He served four years, mostly in Thailand.  After returning home from his military service, he enrolled in the Technical College of Alamance (better known currently as Alamance Community College).  Tom was employed with Cone Mills for over 20 years.

   Tom loved to cook, and he loved to eat the food that he cooked.  He was reared in a family that produced great cooks and he learned the “trade” at an early age.

   Tom’s favorite things to do were discussing politics, watching all types of sports, planting gardens and harvesting the vegetables and greens.  Tom was a subdued and private person, never sharing too much of what he was thinking.

   Tom’s life was interrupted suddenly by the terrible disease Covid-19.  He fought very had to stay here a little while longer with his loved ones, however, God saw that his body was fighting against his will to stay.  Because his family was not allowed to visit with him due to Covid-19 restrictions, a sympathetic nurse held his hand as he slipped away peacefully.

  In addition to Tom’s parents he was preceded in death by three siblings; Flonnie Love, Glenda L. Stoner and Ronald Love.

  Left to cherish his memory are his children, Maurice Mebane (Frenchy) of Burlington NC and Yolanda Enoch of Los Angeles, CA; one grandchild, Geseri Mebane, brother, Dwight Love of Mebane, NC; two sisters, Kaye L. Morrow (Rev. Clinton) of Burlington, NC and Phyllis L. Miles (Rev. Logan) of Mebane, NC.  A “precious” play-sister, Carol Jean Willis, a loving aunt, Annie Willis Whitsett and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

Special thanks to Butch, Carl and Rich for being a “good” friend during his life on this earth.

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