Eugene V. Willett

1928 - 2014

Eugene V. Willett, 85, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. Funeral: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Greenwood Chapel. Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Greenwood. Eugene Willett was born Aug. 8, 1928, in Brown County. He grew up in May and graduated from May High School in 1946. Gene married Sunshine Rice June 1, 1947. They made their home in Fort Worth for over 50 years. In 1952, he was called to serve his country in the infantry. He spent one year in the Korean War, then served out his eight-year term in the reserves. He attended college at UT Arlington and was employed by General Dynamics in tool design for 20 years. He was then employed by Texas Instruments for 20 years until he retired in 1989. In 1992, Gene and Sunshine moved to their current home west of Springtown. He enjoyed raising black angus cattle, driving his tractors and living in the country. He and Sunshine traveled extensively after their retirement and were involved in the Masonic Lodge. He received his 60-year membership plaque in 2012. Gene and Sunshine were married for 66 years and had a wonderful life together. Gene was a dedicated, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Survivors: Wife, Sunshine Willett; daughters, Reena Hill and husband, Steve, Tammy Hays and husband, James; grandson, Kyle Hays and fiancee, Tiffany Stuart; granddaughters, Rebecca Hill and Britni Hays; and a host of other relatives and friends.