William Larry Willis, age 65 of Campbellsville, KY was born on May 23, 1952 to Betty Jewell (Bault) Willis and the late Welby Earl “Shorty” Willis. He departed this life on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Taylor Regional Hospital.
Mr. Willis was a retired teacher for the Taylor County School District, where he had taught English, History, and the Bible as Literature over thirty years. An unfortunate accident in 1971 left him with several physical ailments, but it couldn’t dampen his loving and generous spirit as a father, husband, and friend. His love of learning lead him to attend Campbellsville College and Western Kentucky University, and he was a member of the Kentucky Education Association and the National Education Association.
In what free time he found, he enjoyed painting, usually acrylics, and he stayed active in the academic teams, the school newspaper, creative writer’s club, and the chess club. Mr. Willis professed faith in Christ and was a member of Fairview Baptist .
SURVIVORS:
Wife: Melissa (Rainwater) Willis
2 children: Miranda Willis and companion Chris Taylor, and Bryce Willis, all of Campbellsville
Mother: Betty Willis of Campbellsville
1 sister: Joan Tinnell & husband David of Campbellsville
1 grandson: Levi Taylor
3 local nephews: Jeremy Wood, Josh Wood, and Mitchell Tinnell
Several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, their children and grandchildren
Special caregiver: Shari Scully of Campbellsville
His lapdog: Chubby
A host of other family and friends
He was preceded in death by his other lapdog, Chunky
Funeral service: Sunday, March 4. 2018 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of the L.R. Petty Funeral Home, 1765 New Columbia Rd, Campbellsville, KY. Bro Don Gowin will be officiating.
Burial: Green River Memorial Cemetery, 3441 Old Columbia Rd, Campbellsville, KY.
Visitation: The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, March 3, after 5:00 PM.
