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William WILLIS Obituary
79, passed peacefully on to the Lord at Brandon, FL, February 13, 2018. He was born February 27, 1938 in Memphis, TN, to William Martin Sr. and Cora (Paudert) Willis, living there until 1970 when he moved to Florida. He was known by various nicknames throughout his careers in both the music and hotel fields,"Martin," "Sonny," and "Willy." Martin leaves behind his son, William Martin Willis III; his three grandchildren, Stephanie, William IV, and Benjamin; great-granddaughter, Elise Barja, his brother, Frank (Judy); and 'adopted' daughter, Magdalena Hernandez. He was a widower for 40 years and the good news is that he rejoins his wife Elizabeth "Lee" Willis and predeceased daughters, Melody and Kathy Willis in Heaven. He was a very successful musician and hotelier for over 45 years until retiring in 2005. He was a Master Mason, Shriner, and lifetime member of the Memphis Federation of Musicians, Local 71. In his retirement, Martin volunteered for the local food pantry, Sandwiches for the Homeless and Meals on Wheels. Viewing will be begin at 9 am, Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon, FL, with Services and Masonic rights following at 10 am. No flowers, please. Please give generously to the Shriner Children's Hospitals at www.shrinershospitals.org/donate
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Memories and Condolences
for William WILLIS
6 Entries
Teresa Peterson
December 31, 2018
I would love to speak with any family member of Mr. Willis. I believe I am related, but have no contact information.
February 17, 2018
Marty, I am sorry for the loss of your father. We know that we will meet him again on Resurrection Morn.
Jean Birchfield
February 16, 2018
What wonderful comfort we have knowing we will be reunited with loved ones in eternity. I hope Martin and Julius had a great reunion at our Savior's feet. Our love and prayers are with you and your family as we too await our time to be reunited. Now I know where my grandson Zac got his saxophone talent from! With love, Jean Birchfield & Family
Trevor Cajiao
February 16, 2018
He contributed so much to the music I know and love. I've heard his sax playing ever since I first heard those classic Sun recordings out of Memphis when I was a teenager. God bless Martin Willis.
Dominique Anglares
February 16, 2018
Behind the music we enjoy are men and women ... My walking dreams often brings me in the empty auditoriums left dusty since decades, then I stroll behind the velvet curtain to look at the backstage area. Sometime there's an unknow or a celeb standing there, real old, holding a guitar, a pair of sticks or a horn. If the guy like we talk about the old rockin' days and try to put all together the various pieces of the puzzle of its life and musical journey. In every way I will do my best to keep the musical legacy alive! Martin was one of these precious friends who loaned me the auditorium's keys, who welcomed me backstage and who brings me plenty of joys. He was a talented musician, a fine song writer and most of all a wonderful human. It is no secret.
Simon Nott
February 16, 2018
What a wonderful obituary. A lot of facts I didnt know. He led an amazing life in many ways. Im so grateful that had the chance to interview and write about him. Thoughts are with you Marty Im sure whilst terribly sad you must be very proud too. I never met Martin but his music has touched me as it has millions across the globe, his musical legacy will live on. R.I.P
Simon Nott, England.
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Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511
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