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Doyle Willis Obituary
He was 97.
Mr. Willis, a lawyer, farmer and former school teacher, represented central Fort Worth in Austin as both a House member and a senator during four separate stints in Austin dating back to 1947. In all, he served 42 years, the second-longest tenure in Texas history. And in between stints in the state Capitol, he served on the Fort Worth City Council.
“Doyle was just a legend in politics,” said former House Speaker Gib Lewis, a Fort Worth Democrat who had been friends with Mr. Willis since the 1960s and had served with him in Austin for 20 years. “He took care of his constituents. If you had a problem, you took it to Doyle and he’d get it fixed.”
Since retiring from the House in January 1997, he had remained active both as a lawyer and in civic affairs until a few months before his death, friends said.
Known in later years as “Dean” because of his long service in Austin, Mr. Willis championed veterans’ causes and is credited with writing many of the state’s civil service laws protecting police officers and firefighters. And once, he introduced legislation that would have made it a felony to steal someone’s dog.
Politics, he said in 1998 when his bust was put on display in the Texas Capitol, is rooted in the fundamentals.
“When I first got to the Legislature, I said the two classes of people I needed to worry about were the old people and young people," he said at the time.
But Mr. Willis, who fought in the Pacific earned the Bronze Star during World War II, had a combative side in civilian life as well. In 1961, then-state Rep. Willis exchanged blows with a Fort Worth businessman during a disagreement over legislation pending in Austin that would have allowed a beer company to build a brewery in his district.
Mr. Willis said he hit the man “because he called me a ——. No one calls me that.”
Born Aug, 18, 1908, on a farm near tiny Peeltown in rural Kaufman County southeast of Dallas, Mr. Willis studied and boxed his way through Oak Cliff High School in Dallas and to college as a football player for the University of Texas Longhorns, according to Star-Telegram archives.
During the Depression, he studied law in Washington at Georgetown University, and worked for U.S. Rep. Sam Rayburn, later House Speaker. Mr. Willis volunteered for World War II — his late brother, Phil, captured the first Japanese prisoner of the war one day after the Pearl Harbor attack — and wound up serving more than four years in the Pacific as a combat pilot and as a major in the intelligence forces.
When Mr. Willis came to Fort Worth and set up a law practice after the war, police officers urged him to run for the Texas House.
Mr. Willis’ tenure in the Legislature is second only to that of former Sen. A.M. Aiken. Mr. Willis said after his retirement that his accomplishments included helping establish laws that let victims of child abuse give court testimony by videotape and enabling them to avoid face-to-face confrontations with their abusers.
“Doyle had one of the best memories of anybody I ever met,” said Lewis. “He could tell you what happened 40 or 50 years ago like it was yesterday.”
Former Fort Worth City Councilman Jim Lane described Mr. Willis as “the last of the old war horses in Texas politics.”
“He was a friend to every man and woman who ever wore the military uniform,” said Lane, who had known Mr. Willis since 1973. “I’m told that ever since he got back from the war, he was working to make life better for the veterans.”
Lane, who left the City Council in May 2005 after 12 years in office, said he and Mr. Willis often appeared together at civic functions, and he was constantly impressed with the long-time politician’s rapport with people.
“He was a funny guy,” Lane recalled. “If he knew you, he’d write you these little typed-up notes telling you what was on his mind. I have a whole stack of them somewhere here in my office. Anytime he’d send me a contribution, there’d be a little note that came with it: ‘Support this. Don’t support that.’ You never had to guess where Doyle Willis stood.”
Memories and Condolences
for Doyle Willis
69 Entries
Anon Anon
February 7, 2013
Papa, without your wisdom and strength, I don't know where I would be. I feel blessed, not only to have known you, but to also be your granddaughter. Your courage and strength lies within me. I'll see you on the other side.
From your favorite grandchild
john shergold
March 24, 2007
Senator Willis took me under his mentorship after I graduated from law school when he gave me a job
during his last legislative session
in 1995. During that time I spent
with him I learned so much from him
and after these years have passed thank God for the times I spent with him and the knowledge he taught me. The world is a better place since he blessed us , however, he will always be here in spirit and we will see him again.
He always told me that it did not cost anything to be nice to people and it was o.k. to make a mistake because that is why there were eraisers on backs of pencils.
Alice Wilkins Garcia
July 10, 2006
I worked for him while I was at UT and we talked sporadically through the years- He always asked about my husband and 4 daughters-especially my disabled daughter. He was certainly a man I'll never forget. My sympathy to the children he loved so much and to Gloria.
Bob Russey
July 10, 2006
My sincere condolences to Dina and family for yours and the peoples of Texas' loss. My prayers are with you.
How you can show support
Thomas C. Woltz,Sr.
July 4, 2006
What a great and well respected man. Let me add my condolences to Mr Willis. I might be the only rep of Theta Xi Fraternity to pay his respects, we will miss him, too.
Thanks, Tom Woltz,Sr. Alpha Alpha 792 / LSU.
L Bluford
July 3, 2006
My prayers go out to your entire Willis family. I to lost a close family member a few years back.I look forward to the day when “no resident will say I am sick” –Isaiah 33:24. In the meantime, God is near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves (Psalms 34:18). I hope you can find comfort in this time of grief.
Byrl Bragg
June 30, 2006
Dina,
My dad found his rest 3 years ago; he was 90 years old. Still miss him. He was very important in my life, as I know yours was, too. Hope you find peace. Would be good to hear from you. Email: [email protected]
Catherine Hollis
June 29, 2006
Dina,
I am so sorry to hear that your father passed away. Peace and love from a schoolmate at Nolan High School.
Cathe
Carey Snyder
June 29, 2006
As I was growing up in West Oakhurst from the late 40's to the middle 60's, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Willis an number of times. Even for a child as I was at the time, he had the time to stop and talk. He was a friend of my parents (Carey and Catherine Snyder) and they made me aware of all the great things he did, not only for our area, but for the state. It was a privilege to know him. To his family, I say that my prayers are with you in this time of loss. Take comfort in the fact that he will be remembered for all his contributions and his patriotism.
Waleader Wilcox
June 29, 2006
To the family of Mr.Doyle Willis,
I was one of the staff who took care of Mr.Willis at HMFW and I grew to love your father. I am sure he is resting in peace.May God continue to bless you and keep you is my prayer.
Waleader wilcox
Linda Hinojosa
June 28, 2006
Mr. Willis will always hold a special place in my heart. He always had advice for those who would listen and I took it to heart. His love for his family, friends, and Veteran was so important. If it was not for him the FWOPC VA would not be here nor would the Veterans Cementary would only be a dream. I have worked for the Clinic and it was always a joy to serve him in any way that I could. You will be missed but never forgotten!
John Bridwell
June 27, 2006
I've known you for many years and
will miss you greatly. Condolenses
to the family on this loss.
John Bridwell
Lola Lavender-Hardisty
June 26, 2006
My thoughts and prayers to the Willis Family and to Gloria. It was an honor to know Mr. Willis. My father has a deep respect for him and my mother adored him.
Kenneth Hunter
June 26, 2006
Senator Willis was an honerable man, and one in wich if the time you spent with him if you would just listen you were sure to learn something.
Richard Geiger
June 26, 2006
GOOD BYE OLD FRIEND
Doyle was a patriot, a devoted public servant and a friend to countless people. I met him in 1973 when we were both elected to the Texas House of Representatives; I for the first time and he after a short absence from the legislature. He was generous with his counsel and advice.
He will be missed.
Hurk Bell
June 26, 2006
Senator Willis will always be remembered as a person who did not hesitate to fight for the veterans. His biggest concern when he came to the Fort Worth VA Outpatient Clinic was not for himself but for the veterans who were in need of something.
Case in point, one day he was at the clinic and he overheard a conversation I was having with a veteran and his wife. The veteran was telling me that he and his wife had been sleeping in their car because they were not able to pay their rent. After they walked out of my office, he went into his pocket and gave me some money and told me to go and give it to them. He instructed me that I was not to tell them who gave it to them because he was not giving it to them so that he could gain popularity, but he was doing it because he cared greatly for veterans and their families and he said, "it was the right thing to do".
He was a wonderful person and I am glad to have had a person of his caliber cross my path.
Mark Greene
June 26, 2006
On behalf of my family I extend our condolences to yours. I always enjoyed my visits with Doyle Sr. and appreciated his words of wisdom and other support. He was a wonderful man and a great Democrat, and will be sorely missed.
Steve Deleon
June 26, 2006
Ft Worth has lost a true leader and a friend.Ft Worth is a better place because of all the efforts of this great man.I am honor to have cross his path.
Eva Lou Garrett Evans
June 26, 2006
"Uncle Doyle" was a great friend to my family. I remember him coming to our house to eat. He loved to eat and have fun. I remember spraying tree stumps with him and his son Danny. I remember Dina and Dale coming to our house also. My name is Eva Lou Garrett Evans. My parent's name was George and Nona Garrett from Peeltown. His sister Ruby and brother Phil were great friends to our family also. God Bless Uncle Doyle's family in his loss.
Helen Schrickel
June 26, 2006
During the Legislative Session of 1954, I was one of two University of Texas students selected to assist Senator Willis in his office in the Capitol. He was rather stern, always a gentleman, and he possessed a surprising sense of humor. In recent years, Senator Willis sent a note to my brother, attorney Bill Hughes, in which he sent his best regards to me. How nice of him, and what a great memory!
Shirley Cannon Holley
June 26, 2006
Senator Willis was my first "real boss". I worked as an aide to him
in Austin, 1954,while I attended UT
He & my father, WFCannon,Jr were very good friends..I was the gofer
The Senator has corresponded with
me through all these years, I shall
miss him so much.
Cindy Garrett Adams
June 26, 2006
I called him Uncle Doyle. My parents share cropped his land for years. As a kid - I never knew he was as important as he was - he was always just the nice man who brought me a bag of candy everytime he visited and always told me I could do or be anything I wanted to. I haven't seen him in years but I thought of him often. He was an important person to our family and I wanted to express my sympathy to his family. I remember the man - what he was was not nearly as imporant as who he was...
Brother Richard Daly, CSC
June 26, 2006
Representative Willis was one of the first persons I met at the legislature when I began representing the Catholic bishops of Texas in 1974. He became a good friend and counselor. He always worked on behalf of those whom Catholic Social Teaching calls "the least among us."
Will Ann Brewer
June 25, 2006
To the Willis family: I grew up in Peeltown and as a young person, I remember Doyle, Phillip, Ruby and Adeline. I recall Doyle coming by to visit my mom and dad, Faye and A.C. Brewer. May God bless each of you during this time of loss. Doyle was a friend to many people and will be missed.
Lanny Hall
June 25, 2006
Doyle Willis was a public servant. He practiced law and the art of politics for many decades. He cared for the average citizen. He championed social justice.
I was honored to serve with Senator Willis for five years in the Texas House of Representatives. He often encouraged me to vote "with the people." His faith was important to him and he encouraged others to be people of faith.
Carol and cherish the memories of good times with Doyle. Because of his distinguished service in our state and because of his legislative accomplishments, he will long be remembered.
May God comfort the family with the love that only He may provide and with the knowledge that Doyle Willis accomplished much during his life on this earth.
Raymond Daniel
June 25, 2006
It was an honor to have known the Senator. May God comfort your family during their time of loss.
E. Hoyt Dowdey
June 25, 2006
A very good friend
Harold Lenn Willis
June 25, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Harold Willis
June 25, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Don Lavender
June 25, 2006
To the Willis Family you have my deepest condolences. Senator Willis and I became friends within the Veterans community, Out spoken he was (But right more often than wrong). A true friend to all who knew him.
Don Lavender
past Division Commander of The American Legion Department of Texas
Deralyn Riles Dav is
June 25, 2006
Dr. Dan, Doyle, Jr and Family,
Senator Willis was one of a kind, the mold was broken when he was born. He was such a special person. He was my friend for many years. I shall miss his letters and our conversations.
God bless and keep each of you.
Robert Fleet Smith III
June 25, 2006
We all will live as long as we are remembered. Doyle will continue to live many more years in our memories.
Robert Fleet Smith III
Victoria, TX
Wallace Williams
June 25, 2006
Be ye therefore ready also: for the son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Luke 12:40
BLessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Luke 12:43
To the Willis Family you have my deepest condolences and prayers.
Wallace" Blinky " Williams
2nd Vice - President
Fort Worth Chapter
Texas Coalition of Black Democrats
Former Legislative Aide to State Representative Garfield Thompson
Janice Lamb
June 24, 2006
It's been a privilege to be a neighbor on Browning Ct for the past twenty five years. Mr. Willis was a good friend and neighbor. My thoughts and prayers are with all the Willis family.
Charlene Bice
June 24, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the
Willis family today.
Doyle Willis told me that when he was a very young man he taught school for one year. He realized immediately that teaching was not for him, but he never stopped encouraging those who chose teaching as their profession.
Doyle challenged educators (classroom teachers, principals and superintendents) to strive for excellence. He worked tirelessly with teachers across the state to pass legislation to improve education.
Doyle Willis was a true "friend of education". Thank you, Doyle!
Charlene Bice (A Retired Teacher Fort Worth Independent Shools)
Lisa Marino
June 24, 2006
My sincerest sympathy to Senator Willis' family. Thank you Senator for serving Tarrant County well. God bless you and yours.
Joe Pyle
June 24, 2006
It is with regret that I post this message. I met Senator Willis at one meeting of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and then I met his son at the Pyle Prairie Cemetery in Kaufman County,TX. His legacy will live on!
Pam Beyer Harper
June 24, 2006
Dear Doyle Jr., Dan and Dina: I was so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was such a good friend and neighbor to the Beyer family over the years. We will all miss him.
With sincere sympathy.
Richard Linnartz
June 24, 2006
It is with deepest regets we hail the passing of Doyle Willis as one of the greatest statements in this era and one of our own from Riverside.
There is no way to measure the influence the "Dean" had on many issues and programs coming from the Senate and House in Austin but he will be remembered for years to come.
His way of dealing with key issues and programs lent it to helping influence many of our neighbhood members to become more involved in helping our community. He was always willing to lend an ear and listen as well as giving encouragement to anyone needing advise.
His family has our support in the days ahead as they loose one of the most notable and "Larger then Life" men who have lived in this past Century and worked to improve our society on many levels of government.
We pray for the Willis family and friends who knew this great man who will not be forgotten.
It was a great honor to have him as a strong inspiration in our Carter Riverside Neighborhood.
Richard Linnartz
President Elect-Carter Riverside Neighborhood Association
Vicki Garrett (Sanders)
June 24, 2006
Uncle Doyle to me, my parents share cropped on his family's farms for years. He was like family to us. I will always remember him as the man not the senator.
Larry Watts
June 24, 2006
Thank you, friend, for all you did for Texas police officers.
Velma Shurtleff
June 24, 2006
It was a privilege to know Rep. Doyle Willis
Dawn Herring Tacker
June 23, 2006
It was an honor to have been a neighbor of Mr. Willis in the late 70's/early 80's. He was very good to my brother and me(we were only children). I remember he took us to see "Jaws" when it came out at the movies. He looked after my dog when we would go out of town, and he later helped me get financial assistance for college. Besides his many major accomplishments, the care and concern he had for two young neighbors from a single-parent family show what a truly remarkable person he was even in the "small" things in life. He was never too busy to take the time for us. It is a blessing to have known him. My prayers are with all of you at this time.
James Marchbanks
June 23, 2006
Texas is better place because you were here. A true statesman, Texas will never see your like again. You will be missed.
Babe and Marilyn Schwartz
June 23, 2006
Doyle was a true Texas hero. He served longer in the Pacific Theatre and the Texas Legislature than any other person in Texas history. The respect of his comrades in arms and political colleagues was well deserved as gratitude for the many battles he waged with them and on their behalf during his long and productive life. He brought honor to the word "politician". We felt fortunate to count him as a close and dear friend. We will sorely miss him.
June 23, 2006
TO "MR VETERAN"!
THE VETERANS OF TEXAS, THROUGH YOUR LEADERSHIP, WILL REMEMBER THE LAWS THAT YOU CARRIED THROUGH WHILE IN THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE.
IT WAS A PLEASURE AND AN HONOR TO HAVE KNOWN YOU AND WORKED WITH YOU.
HERB ODELL, PAST STATE COMMANDER, THE AMERICAN LEGION AND MARIAN ODELL, PAST STATE PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY.
Dick Bramblitt
June 23, 2006
Senator Willis was an inspiration to work with in committee as he was intramental in the organization of the Kaufman Co. Veterans Memorial Park.
He will be missed and it was my honor and pleasure to have known him.
Leon Miller
June 23, 2006
It was my privilege to work with Doyle while I was at the VAMC Dallas, and as Administrator of the Fort Worth Veterans Outpatient Clinic. He will certainly be remembered for his service to veterans. I treasure a Texas Flag he gave me when I retired in 1995.
Clifford Proffitt
June 23, 2006
On a personal note:
I have had the honor of knowing Senator Doyle Willis Sr. for the past 13 years. During this time, we have had some loud and viragos discussion on a wide variety of topics, I can say that it has only made me a better person, thanks to you Senator Willis.
We did not always agree on the politics or political parties, but we both had the respect of the other person at heart, if not their viewpoints. In my opinion, it is this type of respect for the other person that is missing in a large segment of our society today. My only regret is that our time together; for myself to learn from such a great Texas statesman, was shorter then I would have liked.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Willis family, I trust that the spirit that made Senator Willis who he was, lives well in all of us that he touched.
Clifford Proffitt
[email protected]
Dovie Hawkins
June 23, 2006
It was my privilege to have known your father thru working with the veterans in Tarrant County & Texas. He will be missed. My prayers are with you.
Lawrence Carter
June 23, 2006
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Clifford Proffitt
June 23, 2006
It is with deep regret that the Cater Riverside Neighborhood Association recognizes the passing of Senator “Dean” Doyle Willis Sr., one of our very own community supporter and vocal activist.
Senator Willis was one of the many take charge; civic minded individuals within our community, always ready to offer an idea for a discussion, if not the solution itself to an issue.
Senator Willis had a strong intoxicating personality about him; that would encourage others within the same room to rise up and state their opinions (it was hard to be a passive observer, in a room with Senator Willis); he encouraged the public process of debate.
Since his retirement from public office in 1997, Senator Willis had encouraged others from within the association to take on more active roles in other civic groups, city, and local government.
It goes without saying that the Willis family is suffering from a loss; our community, our city, our state is suffering the loss of a trailblazing statesman. Persons may be able to follow the blazed trail of Senator Willis, but no one can every fill his amazing shoes.
Our thoughts and prayers go out in support of the Willis family, and we know that family will be feeling the personal loss of Doyle Sr. and trust that they will allow all of us that knew and loved Senator Willis to help them carry on.
Clifford Proffitt
Carter Riverside Neighborhood Association, President
Charley and Claudia Blair
June 23, 2006
To the family of Doyle Willis. The legacy your father left the people of the United States is one of a great man, sought by many,achieved by few
Mike and Sharon Millsap
June 23, 2006
I first met Senator Willis when I was a little boy in the 1950's and delivered his newspaper. They lived a few blocks away from the parsonage. He and his wonderful family were always very nice to us. I always knew it was election time because Dad would say that he had gotten a call from Doyle who was "thinking about joining" Riverside Methodist Church. Dad loved politics and really admired Doyle. I was later privileged to serve with Doyle in the Texas House of Representatives.
Doyle Willis was a great servant of the people, the kind of person we all want as our representative.
Our deepest sympathy to all the members of the family.
Jim Nichols
June 23, 2006
Doyle; the people of Texas are much better off as a result of your service in the legislature. I recall the relationship you had with my father,Marvin Nichols, in the development of long range water planning policy for Texas which is still in force today.
Mike&lin Daniels
June 23, 2006
You will be missed,you were a freind to all veterans.
Delvin Kendrick
June 23, 2006
Doyle Willis was a true champion for the men and women of Texas in law enforcement. We could always count on his support. Many of the benefits we now enjoy were a direct result of his efforts. My prayers are with his family during this time.
KT Hernandez
June 23, 2006
It was always great listening to the many interesting stories Mr. Willis shared with us. Francisco (or "Frank" as he would call my husband)has enjoyed the many rides to Austin together. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
KT Hernandez
DAVID BYERS
June 23, 2006
MR. WILLIS WAS A TRUE FRIEND TO PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS. I FOLLOWED A BILL THRU THE LEGISLATURE IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES AND GOT TO KNOW A GREAT MAN IN DOING SO. DAVID BYERS, RETIRED BAT. CHIEF EULESS FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Mario Perez
June 22, 2006
I still have the typed and handwritten note you sent me many years ago to graciously accept an invitation from my Young Democrats club to attend a debate. You were one of a kind and a tremendous statesman. I wish we had more like you in Austin today. God bless you.
Everett & Anita Rogers
June 22, 2006
As patients of Dr.Willis, son of the deceased, we would like to offer our prayers for you during this time of sorrow.
Adolph Lopez Jr.
June 22, 2006
You will be missed, sir. Thank you for everything you have done.
Jerry & Janice Brewer
June 22, 2006
Doyle you were a really good friend to the veterans and to the people of the State of Texas and especially to us. We will miss your visits and phone calls.Our deepest sympathy to your family and your good friend Ray who always brought you to visit us down here in Peeltown, Texas.
You will be truly missed.
Dub Bunton
June 22, 2006
God bless you and your family Doyle.
Kent Grusendorf
June 22, 2006
Doyle Willis; A friend and a statesman, will be missed by all who have known you. I am sure the good Lord still has great plans for you. Thanks for your friendship and for your leadership to our state!
joe lerma
June 22, 2006
vayaconDIOSmiamigo!maytheblessingso
fthelordbewithyourfamilyPEACE!
Michelle Marie Romani
June 22, 2006
I had the unique blessing and privelege of working for Senator Willis during his final six years in office. Senator Willis was a true giant who remain firmly rooted in his principles. Inasmuch as I had my college degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, I could not have received a more thorough education on the politics of people than I did having gone through the Doyle Willis School. College taught me theories; Mr. Willis taught me a much more important lesson. He taught me how to help people and he taught me how to appreciate people and their different circumstances. Although I am familiar with the legends surrounding Mr. Willis (having experienced quite a few of them myself), he always remained faithful to himself and to his beliefs. While he prided himself in being a "yellow dog Democrat", Mr. Willis earned the respect of House members from both sides of the aisle.
In the Roman Catholic rite of Christian Burial there is a final chant that the priest prays before the body is taken out in procession. It is called In Paradisium and it is the Church's ancient prayer for the final commendation: "May the angels lead you into paradise: may the martyrs receive you at your coming, and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the choir of angels receive you, and with Lazarus, who once was poor, may you have everlasting rest."
May the choir of angels receive Senator Willis and may the Lord grant him everlasting rest.
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