Search by Name

Search by Name

Jonathan Spencer Willis III

1940 - 2015

Jonathan Spencer Willis III obituary, 1940-2015, Dover, DE

FUNERAL HOME

Torbert Funeral Chapels

61 South Bradford Street

Dover, Delaware

Jonathan Willis Obituary

Surely Jack's last prayer was "Thank you, Lord."

Jonathan Spencer Willis, III, of Dover, Delaware, and Lake Dunmore, in Salisbury, Vermont, died at home in the company of his loving family on December 5, 2015. He was 75.

Jack was born on November 15, 1940, in Milford, Delaware, the son of J. Spencer Willis, Jr., and Stella Warner Willis.

He attended Fork Union Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy and was a graduate of Swarthmore College and the Cornell School of Business with degrees in business administration and economics.

For over 35 years, Jack worked as a financial planner and stock broker in the offices of Laird, Bissell & Meeds, Dean Witter and Merrill Lynch. In the 1970s, Governor Pete du Pont named him to the Delaware Economic Advisory Board.

Even more than the valued professional counsel he offered was the abundant friendship he shared - both reflecting his core of kindness and concern. Known for the fervor of his convictions, Jack's personal philosophy was evidenced through his generous deeds and outreach. Those who knew Jack saw him walk the walk!

A member of Dover's Wesley United Methodist Church, he led several of its Bible study classes and chaired Mission, Stewardship and Education committees. During summer months, he often facilitated adult Sunday School classes at the Middlebury United Methodist Church in Vermont. He was also active in the Emmaus community, the Shalem Institute and was a Prison Fellowship mentor for 17 years.

Jack served on the Board of Directors for People's Place, Dover YMCA and Lakes Alive, a Vermont-based organization, raising funds to maintain lakes and natural species. He has worked with homeless men for 20 years and Dover's Interfaith Mission for Housing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Willis, in 1982.

Jack will be keenly missed by his cherished family: his loving wife, Gerrie, Geraldine Wheatley Willis; his three daughters: Heather M.W. Perry and her husband Adam of Palmyra, Virginia; Lindsey Joy Willis of South Burlington, Vermont; and Anne Willis Howe and her husband Henry of Fairfield, Connecticut; a sister-in-law, Dawn Willis of Milford; grandsons Noah, Benjamin and Andrew Perry and Adler and Henry Howe.

Jack is also survived by his nephews Beau Willis of Takoma Park, Maryland, Hunter Willis of Colorado Springs, Colorado, his niece Brie Wyatt of Milford and four great-nephews.

Services to remember Jack will be held on Saturday, December 12th at noon at Wesley United Methodist Church, 209 South State Street, in Dover.

His family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that contributions in Jack's memory be sent to Wesley United Methodist Church in Dover, the Middlebury United Methodist Church in Middlebury, Vermont, or, to reflect Jack's inclusiveness, memorial gifts to another beneficiary of the donor's choice.

Letters of condolence may be sent and a guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com and also www.jackwillis.org.

Published by Dover Post from Dec. 7 to Dec. 16, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Willis

Sponsored by Torbert Funeral Chapels.

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

So sorry for the lost of your dear loved one. May you get the strength and comfort you need during this difficult time. 2 Cor 1:3

December 21, 2015

Dear Gerrie,

Kathy & I are so very sorry for your loss! I only met Jack a few times, but spoke with him often on the phone. He was a wonderfully kind person and a role-model Christian man. He will be missed by so many people! Please know that Jack, you and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Kathy & Ray

Ray Lopes

December 10, 2015

Dear Gerrie and family, we were so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. May you all find comfort and strength thru your memories which will become your cherished treasures.

With deepest sympathy
Claudia and George Boyles

December 9, 2015

My deepest sympathy to you, Gerrie and to all your family at this time of such deep loss. How I wish I could have met your wonderful husband, Jack, after reading his obituary. What an outstanding Christian man he was, living a life of faith in service and witness to others, blessing so many others during his time on this earth. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master. May your loving memories bring you consolation and peace in the coming days. Sending much love and a big hug.

Sr. Martha St. Onge

December 8, 2015

We are so sorry for the loss of Jack. We pray for you, Gerri, and all of your family. Jack was such a strong Christian, and it showed. God's blessings.

Gordon Warner

December 7, 2015

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Jonathan Willis's name

Memorial Events
for Jonathan Willis

Dec

12

Service

12:00 p.m.

Wesley United Methodist Church

209 South State Street, Dover, DE

Funeral services provided by:

Torbert Funeral Chapels

61 South Bradford Street, Dover, DE 19904

How to support Jonathan's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jonathan Willis's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more