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Edward Willis Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Edward Willis
Katrina Schmidt
November 8, 2014
Rip Mr. Willis. You will be missed. C/O 82
Angel (aka Angi Fox) Pendleton
November 9, 2011
To his family,
Mr. Willis was an amazing principal and man. I was forever changed when he knew my name on the very first day of school and from every encounter then on. I learned many things about humbleness and respect from him. Blessings to you all
July 27, 2011
To Wendie and family: Wendie I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I lost my dad this year too in february. My thoughts and prayers are with you....luvada
John Mello
April 10, 2011
I remember my first day as a teacher at Champion Junior High. Mr. Willis introduced me to each of my classes that day. As he introduced me to the students, he showed me that a good teacher knows his students and cares about them. He taught me a lot that day. Throughought my career, his wisdom and kindness guided me. I know that his love of education influenced the staff as well as the students. I am sure his legacy will continue to spread through future generations of teachers.
How you can show support
Marjorie Bland-Kelly
March 4, 2011
To my dear friend Wendie and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Mr. Willis as a kind, intelligent man. I miss all of you and think of you often. Marjorie Bland Kelly - Atlanta, GA
Mary Taylor
January 26, 2011
To Catherine & Wendie Willis & family: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband and father. He left a lifetime of treasured memories to cherish. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Lewis Pryor, III C/O 81
January 21, 2011
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Willis family. My four sisters and I all had the pleasure of having Mr Willis as a principal either at Champion or East. Truly a great man.
Bruce Jones
January 21, 2011
Mr. Willis was a real gentlemen. He touched, guided and inspired so many of us.
Bruce Jones, EHS Class of 77.
isaac day
January 19, 2011
Congratulations to the Willis family. You have sent the best teacher to the head of the class. I'm sure he got a standing ovation and a well done my good and faithful student when he entered those pearly gates.I'm sorry for your lose.His heart has touched many hearts.So I'm sure right behind the words "well done my good and faithful servant HE said "O.E.O.E."our enfinces are On excellence and you've done a fine job.
You've inspired us all (Hornets & Tigers) we will keep your dream alive forever. Tigers for life class of 73
Ikie day
arneardra jackson
January 14, 2011
To my family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. In the short time that I knew him, he was a fine man. You are in our prayers
james willis
January 13, 2011
To the Willis family, I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Willis always called me brother Willis, even though i was a different race. he was truly a caring man..
James Willis
January 13, 2011
To the Willis Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I went to east high from 80 to 84. he always called me brother Willis even I was a Different race..
January 13, 2011
To Catherine Willis and Family. The Cinti Ohio Division Wished to extend our deepest sympathy to you all at this time.He will be trully missed. Just take it one day at a time and God will strenghten you all. LOVE VICKIE JACKSON AND FAMILY OF CINTI
Teresa May-Little
January 12, 2011
I remember being so scared my first day of High School in 1981 and it didn't help that I was being bused across town to a school I thought for sure I would never belong. However from day one Mr. Willis made us ALL feel like it was our school. He was such a caring, honorable and fair man who was admired by all and was such a big influence on a lot of lives. I have lots of memories of my four yrs. at East High School but the one that has always stuck in my head and I have shared with my children is the "silent entry" assemblies where all under classmen had to stand for the Seniors because he said they deserved that respect. He had such a way of making us feel special. Mr. Willis we are standing for you now and I hope you know what an impact you made on so many children's lives and how much you were loved! Teresa May c/o '85
Charlean Hanna
January 12, 2011
With deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Willis. May God bless and keep you all.
Graduate of 1976
Naima Amatur-Rahman
January 11, 2011
To the Willis family, I have known Mr. Willis and his brother, Leroy, since I was a little girl. Mr. Willis was always so kind to me, treated me as if I were a family member. He will be missed.
Naima(Rebecca Lacey)
Tezona Gravely/ledbetter
January 11, 2011
Mr Willis will always remain forever in my heart, I had the pleasure of having him as Vice Principle at Champion Jr.High School, then again at East High School,Mr Willis had the ability to help you feel good about yourself when the chips were down, His smile was so allumating, Ihope that he knew how much he meant to all of us that had the opportunity to cross his path....
Karen Davis
January 11, 2011
To the Willis Family, you all are in my prayers.The best principal any two schools could of had. Champion Jr.High and East High.We will miss you R.I.P. Karen Davis c/o '75
Chris Dawkins
January 11, 2011
I am so sorry to get this information so late!
My condolences go out to Mrs. Willis and the entire family.
Ed will always be remembered by me and I will remember:
OEOE! Our Emphasis is on Excellence!
Fletter Lee-McBroom(class of 1974)
January 11, 2011
Heaven has reclaimed its Angel. Such was Mr. Willis. Having him as a principle and friend has been a big source of maturing spiritually and as a person in my life. I remember how he cared for his students (as I am sure all who's life he touched), in school and out of school. There was never a time when he wasn't thinking of us as his own. I can say that because it showed. Love is as Love does. The world as we know it will not be the same without him. My condolences to the family and us all.
Trent Clark
January 10, 2011
To Mrs. Catherine Willis and Family,
May God Bless You and Give You Strength.
Love from the Clark Family.
.
.
.
-Trent
Donnita Carroll Pritchard, Esquire
January 10, 2011
I express my profound sympathy to the Willis family. Edward Willis was a brilliant man and devoted educator. He provided career guidance to Donald Carroll's six children. As such, all six children graduated from college. He was a great man.
Edward Willis enriched my family. His inspiration endures; the Edward Willis legacy is grand!
January 10, 2011
To the Willis family,
"Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal". My prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. Just know that Principal Willis left a legacy in the Columbus City School system that is second to none. He most certainly had a positive impact on my life while I was at East and I am forever grateful. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Sherrill Moore (class of 1977)
Debra Sparrow
January 10, 2011
Mr. Willis was a great principal and great man and a person that touched and shaped so many lives in the Columbus community especially at East High and Champion Middle School. My deepest condolences to the Mrs. Willis and the family. May God strengthen you doing this time. Debra Sparrow
Randelle Bowman
January 10, 2011
God Bless you
January 10, 2011
Mr Willis was a great principal and father figure to a lot of the students at East High School. I was a graduate Of the Class of 1977. Rest in peace Mr.Willis. My deepest condolences go out to Mrs.Willis and family. He was a great man. He will never be forgotten. Ms.Carla Cardwell
January 10, 2011
Mr. Willis was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. We are sorry for your loss, but very pleased that we had the opportunity and pleasure to know him.
Shannon and Cheryl Foster
January 10, 2011
Mr. Willis was a man of integrity and conviction his guidance to young people was an asset to us all. God bless the family.
East High class of 1968.
Michele McPherson
January 10, 2011
Mr. Willis was an awesome man, i graduated in 1986 and the senior class would not let him retire i recall unless he went out with us...he was always there for me and he will be missed...my prayers and thoughts go out to you all. Blessings from Michele McPherson (Satkowski, class of 1986, Go tigers)
Kimberly Saxton (Ross)
January 9, 2011
To the Willis family. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Seek Him for comfort and strength.
Doug Dillon
January 9, 2011
You made such an impression on me as an incoming freshman, and throughout high school. It's amazing how after 20 years you and I could still talk about school as if it were yesterday. Thank you for all that you did for the welfare of the students. Respectfully the Dillon's (Doug & Cathy(Dimond) class of 87'
January 9, 2011
Mr. Willis closed the daily PA announcements at Champion Junior High with his trademark "Our Emphasis is On Excellence!". I have used that motto in my business and professional life for over 40 years. Your life touch so many. Thank you Mr. Willis and may God bless. Rodney H. Adams, EHS '71
joyce mosley
January 9, 2011
My deepest Sympathy to the Willis family. Mr Willis was a good guy and A good principal. May god bless the family.
Joyce Davis-Mosley Class of 1980
Tina Lee
January 9, 2011
May God bless your family with the enduring stamina that you will need during your time of bereavement.
Tina Holloway Lee (Class of 1970).
Ruth Butts
January 9, 2011
Sending all our love to the family of Mr. Ed. Willis, gone but can never be forgotten as the hero of the youth on the East Side. We will miss his warm and loving heart and hand. The Spencer-Holloway family. Pastor R. Spencer-Butts
January 9, 2011
Rest in peace, Mr. Willis I will always remember the wonderful times we had at school. may god be with the family at this time of sorrow.
Paula Chatman (C/O 1986)
January 9, 2011
Mr. Willis will be missed by many. He truly cared for the education of all. I appreciated his positive influence and caring spirit. My prayers are with the family.
Lekisha Adams (Renee Bridges)
Tamara Holmes
January 9, 2011
My prayers with the family during this time of bereavement.
Tamara Holmes (1981-1983)
arthur hill jr
January 9, 2011
My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family..Mr Willis was a amazing man.. God bless..
Art Hill jr (class of 1977)
Sanna Curry
January 9, 2011
To the Willis family:
May god be with you all at this time of sorrow. Sanna Curry former graduate of East High School 1974-1976.
robert freeman
January 9, 2011
god bless and be with you Mr. Willis. O.E.O.E Well wishes to all the family. Robert Freeman, Champion jr. high 64-68
Donita Judge
January 9, 2011
Less we forget, Mr. Willis also was Principal of Champion Junior High School. I remember those days well; he administered with firmness and love. I am a recipient of his guidance and a member of his extended family. My condolences to Catherine and the entire Willis Family. Fondly, Donita Judge, Esq.
Barbara Miller
January 9, 2011
Mrs. Willis I am so sorry to hear about your lost. Although you may not remeber me, but I remember you I had you as Kindergarten teacher. Verniedo said to tell you that he is sorry for you lost as well.
Sincerely,
Barbara Miller
Ernestine Battle
January 9, 2011
God Bless you Family,
Thank you for being in my our lives. He will be forever in our hearts and our minds because we do honor his memory. Even through his illness, he came when we called, he nurtured and spoiled us all and we love him for that. From the Best of the Best East High Class of 1973, we will miss him and we know God's Will IS Done.
Lori Pace-Johnston
January 9, 2011
You believed in all of us and we loved you for that Mr. Willis.I am glad I was able to tell you that while you were still here.Some folk who cross your path in this journey called life you never ever forget.I thought about you last night as I am thinking of you now.You realized this "warrior spirit" of mine was a gift and advised me how to use it appropriately, even in my college years. You KNEW what I was up against and you shared your sword and shield with me! I have said it twice and I will say it again: you were a dad outside of the home and I have a Wise one! You are an East High Legacy Never Ever to Be Forgotten.I can only pray that the students that I teach and those whom I mentor and care for everyday realize that there are still some people in the world who really care about others.You expected us to be of greatness Sir, and along with my Heavenly and earthly Father: your Excellence truly does Live in Me!!Your discipline made me a better person.May your soul have Eternal Rest until we meet again.Wendy, thank you again for sharing your dad with me in and out of school. Lori(White-Barnett) Class of 1978
Tammy Travis
January 9, 2011
a truely amazing man who will be missed by all who knew him. Mr willis take a bow, job well done.
The Dean children classes of 74-75-76-77-78-79-and 80
January 9, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 9, 2011
A father away from home, An East High Legacy Never Ever to Be Forgotten. My prayers to the entire family. We know you were blessed to have him in your lives.Any student fortunate enough to encounter his discipline was a better student and a better person. We love you Mr. Willis! Lori White-Barnett. Cols. Ohio Class of 1978.
Melvin Harris
January 9, 2011
To the family of Mr. Edward Willis. The loss of Ed is a loss to the Columbus community. He truly will be missed. May the good thoughts and memories help sustain you through this ordeal.
Ray Family
January 8, 2011
To Mrs. Willis and family, may God grant you peace and love, knowing that you'll find solace in the loving memories of your husband, father and friend in the days and years ahead. Mr Willis touched so many lives during his journey through life. Be blessed and know he was truly loving and loved.
The Ray family, Glenn, Virginia, Debra and Caryl
Howard Washington Sr.
January 8, 2011
Thank You Mr.Willis 4 b n A Big Part of My Life!4 the guidness u gave me When I had NONE!U WILL B MISSED VERY MUCH!!!
Evelyn Willis
January 8, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Willis. He really was a great mentor, a great educator, and and all around great man. I had the pleasure of having Mr. Willis at both Champion Jr High and at East High School. He always had this smile when he walked down the hallway. And believe me he knew every students name in that whole school. He was a father figure to alot of us and he always had time to listen to what we had to say. But, he also always asked for that hall pass. The community has lost a great leader who always instilled the proper values in you and always made you believe you really are somebody.
Class of 1976 Columbus East high school
Patsy King-Sharp
January 8, 2011
To the Family of Ed Willis,
I know that your hearts are heavy with grief right at this moment, but be assured that Ed Willis or Mr. Willis as I was known to call him will forever be remembered as a great man that touched many lives of children. I remember going to East High School after they closed Central High School and being afraid at being so far away from home. He welcomed us with open arms and told us to always remember that "You are Somebody!". He would never let you forget that you are special in your own way. He had a great impact on me in my teenage years when things were so great and I still think of the things he said to me and remember that " I am Somebody." He will be greatly missed by all the people that has had the pleasure of knowing this great man.
Patsy (King) Sharp Class of "85"
Yvonne Anderson
January 8, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.Mr Willis will always remain in our hearts as, THE MAN OF EAST HIGH SCHOOL.Class of 80.
Darryl (Khalifa) Judge
January 8, 2011
To the entire, beloved Willis Family, a great man has gone before us. All who ever walked the hollowed halls of East High School as either student, faculty or visitor recognizes that we stand on the shoulders of a giant in education and humanity. I remember enrolling at East High School in 1977, as a Linden Mckinley transfer. Mr. Willis and my dad (Donald E. Judge, Sr.) were cousins, so you know I got a lecture about behavior that day. Cousin Willis, as he called me Cousin Judge, introduced me to all the staff he could find in the building that day. He always made sure I had lunch, either in the lunchroom or The Tigers' Den. He was the best of mankind and affected all around him in the absolute best of ways. He will live long after the many tributes are spoken and the flowers lose their appeal. May he live forever. On behalf of the Judge/Wheat family, please accept our condolences on the passing of Mr. Edward J. Willis, Husband, father, grandfather, statesman, educator and so much more.
January 8, 2011
To the Willis Family, May you feel the Peace that only God can provide during this time of sorrow. Do know that your Kent State University Family is praying for you. Mr. Willis impacted the lives of so many students and families from the greater Columbus area and beyond. He stood for Education, and always set forth high expectations, high standards and "pride" for all within his reach. We are all better people, and thankful to God for this ONE LIFE that impacted so many. To my KSU sister, Dr. Wendie, continue to teach and lead the children in the same spirit as your dad. (Ashe)
To Ms. Catherine I love you, and I am grateful for the total family commitment to the community. ..Mr. Willis will be missed by all.
Dr. Geraldine Hayes Nelson, Kent State University
Barbara Clark
January 8, 2011
The world is a better place because of Mr Willis's journey through it. My prayers and thoughts are with you Mrs. Willis and family during you time of bereavemnt. May God continue to bless and comfort you.
January 8, 2011
Dearest Cutty,
You and Wendy know that you have my and Vernard's deepest sympathy at the passing of Ed, a man of fame and great integrity. Keep your faith strong and remember that God knows exactly what should be done for each of His children even though it's hard on those left behind. Take one day at a time, hug each other and thank our God that Ed is at peaceful rest in His arms.
TTBOD,
Margaret Roberts, PH.D. (Cutty)
Anthony Ross
January 8, 2011
Iam praying for the family. Who was a classic legend of years I attended East High School.
Mavis (Swanson) Berry Class of '68
January 8, 2011
To the Family,
I have often wondered how a person could live on even after death. I believe that as we impart the wisdom we have learned, share the love that was shown to us, speak life into others as we have received, applaude others as we were applauded, and pray for others as we have been sustained by the prayers of others, we are actually allowing those who have imparted these truly magnificent gifts to us, to live on forever as we pass on what we have received. With this revelation I say, live on Mr. Ed Willis, live on.
Thank you for being the instrument of love which God used to bless so many people.
Eric Simmons
January 8, 2011
Mr Wilis
As i Flip and Cheer though life u will be the one i am Cheering for. U will be Greatly Missed.
Capt. Varsity Tumblers/Cheerleader
Eric Simmons Class of 79 and Family
KEVIN MASON c/o 75
January 8, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
January 8, 2011
To the Willis Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. He impacted so many lives and left a rich legacy in our community. I am greatful to have had such a man as an educator, disciplinarian and mentor in my life. Patricia Lee Fluellen
January 8, 2011
To Mrs. Willis and Family,
Mr. Willis was our principal at Champion and East High School.
Mr. Willis truly had a heart for the students. I believe he wanted every student to succeed. One of my fondest memories of Mr. Willis was, he made it mandatory that before you graduate you had to be a registered voter (class of 1975). I don't believe anyone challenged him. That's the kind of influence he had on our community.
Mr Willis was truly a great man and we must continue his legacy.
We will remember you and your family in our prayers.
Larry & Gloria Smallwood
January 8, 2011
To Mrs. Willis and family --
We love you! You and Mr. Willis have always held a special place in our hearts because of all you have meant to the community and to our family. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. God will give you peace in this challenging season.
JoAnna Williamson and the Williamson family
January 8, 2011
Mr. Willis was my vice principal when Champion Middle School was known as Champion Junior High. He and Mr. Wade was the "team" that made sure the positve father figure was visable. I remember seeing Mr. Willis walking down the hall and asking where your hall pass was, how was your day going, smiling at you or humming his favorite song, "Green Onion." Or eyeing the length of your skirt or dress to make sure it was at the correct lenght. Not only did I know Mr. Willis as an educator and principal, I also knew him outside in the community. He was the same caring person in the community as he was in the school system.
Education was very important to him and his desire was for every student to reach their goals and dreams.
Prayers to Mrs. Willis and the family.
Willa Walker (Tate), Canal Winchester, Oh EHS '68
Darlene yauch
January 8, 2011
Our thought and prays are with you in your time of grief may all your memories bring you comfort . remembering the time we had him at east high class of 84 Darlene brobst ( Yauch ) Columbus Ohio
MIKE ROE
January 8, 2011
I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE MR. WILLIS AS ONE OF THE GREATEST EDUCATORS IN MY LIFE. R.I.P MR. WILLIS MICHAEL ROE EHS CLASS OF 1988
Janetta Marbrey
January 8, 2011
O.E.O.E. OUR EMPHASIS IS ON EXCELLENCE.
I have always repeated that phrase and tried to live and work following that tenet. I am a better person because of both 'Mr. Willis' Edward and his brother Leroy who was my 6th grade teacher at Eastwood. RIP... Condolences to the Family.
January 8, 2011
To the Family Of Mr. Willis, I had the pleasure of being at Champion with him and he was such a wonderful man who cared about all his students. My prays are with you at this time. May God Bless you and remember he did a lot for all of his students and whoever he met.
Kathy McCutcheon
Westerville, OH
Lisa Kinney
January 7, 2011
To the family of Edward J. Willis, my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers are extended to you at this time. Mr. Willis meant a lot to so many of his students and teachers. He certainly left an impression on me. I worked in the front office at East my entire 3 years of school. It was a pleasure and I learned a lot from him and saw how much he truly cared for all of us. Thank you for sharing your husband and father. (Class of 1976)
Carlisa Solis
January 7, 2011
To the Willis Family-
Although I have not had the opportunity of having Mr. Willis as a Principal/Mentor, I've had family members who has, and I was able to share the legacy of being an EHS student and showing that Tiger Pride. He was a father to most and will never be forgotten. God is telling him: "Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant!" Thank you for sharing him with us all. And may peace be unto you. C/O 90
Elliott Harris
January 7, 2011
Mr. Willis remembered people who walked the halls of his schools. Being remembered is important some days. I thank Ed Willis for remembering me.
Elliott Harris
Nichole Smith
January 7, 2011
I only had to pleasure of having you as my principal my freshman year at East High School, you still had a lasting memory in my mind, I talked about everytime I was with someone attend East School with, we would quote some of the things you would say to inspire. You will surely missed. God Bless your love ones that are still with uw.
Drema Bussey C/O 89
January 7, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
My deepest sympathies to all.
Carol Rivers
January 7, 2011
To the Willis Family,
Our God is a good God. Sorry about the passing of your Dad and husband. My prayers are with you. Mr. Willis had a very positive impact on our community and the education of young people.
God Bless you
Carol Rivers and Stefanie
Yolanda Robinson
January 7, 2011
I was sorry to learn of the loss of Mr. Ed Willis. I will always remember him for all the good things he did in our community -- particularly his work with children.
God bless each of you.
S. Yolanda Robinson and Family
January 7, 2011
To the Willis family our condolences. He was our principal at Champion and at East. He taught us life lessons that we will always remember. Stephen and Sandra-Prunty Spann, Class of 1977
January 7, 2011
To the family of Mr. Willis,
May God Bless and Thank You for sharing a wonderful man and person with us at Champion Middle School and East High School. Mr. Willis has alway been a big influence in my life. He instill in me the desired to give my best no matter the odds or conditions and to alway be positive in life and the challenges you may face. I have always live my life to the message he give me when I didn't know, up from down or what the future would hold for a young black person in America, "OUR EMPHASIS IS ON EXCELLENT" OEOE has been my motto and will continue for me because that is what has been taught to me from one of the greatest person/educator Columbus, Ohio will ever see.Wendy, thanks for sharing, even in sickness, Mr. Willis attended the annual Pilgrim Elementary gathering this past year,it truly make it a special occasion.
We have all been bless to have had Ed Willis be a part of our lives, at least I know I have.
Chuck Meadows and the Meadows Family
January 7, 2011
To the family of Mr Ed Willis,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. I appreciate his friendship to my father, Charles Byrd and his diligent work in filing my taxes.
God bless,
Charles Byrd (son) and family
Mary Jane Byrd
January 7, 2011
DEAR KATHERINE & FAMILY,
GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH;A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE. PSALM 46:1
MAY YOUR HEARTS SOON BE FILLED WITH
WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF JOYFUL TIMES
TOGETHER AS YOU CELEBRATE HIS LEGACY OF
A LIFE WELL LIVED.
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY & PRAYERS,
MRS. MARY JANE BYRD & FAMILY
Rachelle "Shelli" White
January 7, 2011
To the Willis family: My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I remember Mr. Willis as a young girl when I attended Champion Jr. High and when he was at East High School where my mother also taught. I remember all of the lessons he taught me about being a young lady and what to expect out of life. Those memories will forever stay in my mind and heart. May you find peace in knowing that I am just one of many who are blessed by having met him and thank you for sharing him with me.
January 7, 2011
To the family of Edward Willis,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Just to let you know that the Willis family is in my prayers and thoughts. May God bless each and every one of you.
Ruth Merritt & Family
Katherine Dula-Hunt
January 7, 2011
Thank you Mr. Willis for making my high school years and my parents so very happy.
Kathleen Peaks
January 7, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Mr. Willis is "The Original Tiger". We were blessed to have had his guidance. God Bless
1974 EHS Graduate
Anita Jefferson
January 7, 2011
The Bible says in all things, get an understanding and I believe that too was Mr. Willis's belief, but he would have added get an education. I truly understand the value of an education and this is largely because of one, Mr. Edward Willis, Principal Emeritus. I was extremely privileged to have him as my principal, educator, mentor and surrogate parent at both Champion and East High Schools.
I remember my first day at Champion Junior High School where he said that I remminded him of a student he taught years ago. As time would past, little did I know that the student was my mother and that was discovered when she had to attend a Parent Teacher Conference for some trouble that I had gotten myself into. He said the apple did not fall too far from the tree, because my mother she too had experienced Mr. Willis' raft. It was a hilarious moment and from that point on, he maintained a particular interest in my sister and me. Although his raft was not one of conviction, it was one of a learning tool. Mr. Willis' learning tool for each student was to recognize that bad decisions equaled bad consequences and vice versa with good decisions. That learning tool and thought is one that I still carry with me today and reflect to other young adults that I come in contact. Mr. Willis individualized each students' respective needs according to what was needed at that time.
I say all of this because the greatest legacy that we can give to anyone person that has imparted into us is the value of oneself and Mr. Willis imparted that value of self-worth and dignity into each and every students' lives he touched. He was one of a kind and will be missed at our Annual School Reunions.
To his fammily, please know that your loss is our loss as well but more importantly, we thank you for allowing him to be such an intricate part of the fabric of our (students) lives, and we are much richer for the value he gave to us. May God bless and keep each of you and may you find strength and comfort in knowing that he is resting with our Heavenly Father.
Anita Marshall Jefferson, MSW
East High School Class of 1973
January 7, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish his memories forever!!Mr Willis is going to be deeply missed. He was not only my princpal but also my wonderful accountant..Elaine, East High class of "79".
Tracie Thompson
January 7, 2011
Mrs. Willis
My Prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Willis gave me the chance I needed to get through those tough times in High School. I think him from the bottom of my heart. RIP Mr. Willis you will never be forgotten. Class of '83
Rev, Derrick Bass Sr.
January 7, 2011
To the family of Mr. Ed Willis. It is with great sorrow to hear about the passing of such a wonderful, loving, and caring man. His character speaks much volume on all the lives he touched. Well done thy Good and Faithful Servant, Well Done. You will certainly be missed. Class of 76
Doug Johnson
January 7, 2011
I knew Mr. Willis from church and from my time at East High School. He was a good man who did his best to make EHS a great place for his students and make his students good citizens. He made Columbus a better place. (East, class of '74)
January 7, 2011
My prayers go out to the Willis family. Mr. Willis made a positve impact on my life as a student while attending EHS and beyond. Even through my college years his letters of support and words of encouragement meant so much. Thank you Mr. Willis for setting a great example to follow.
Your friend Bill Palmer class of 1972
Patricia Wooden-Jackson
January 7, 2011
To Mr. Ed Willis Family. My deepest condolences and prayers are with you all. Mr. Willis was a very attentive and sharp man. He had a knack of remembering each and every student he had at both Champion Middle School and East High School. He will certainly be missed. Class of 74...
Rhonda Caldwell-Garrett
January 7, 2011
Mrs. Willis and Family. I want to extend my deepest sympathies and let you know I am praying with you. Mr. Willis was definitely my "FAV". As a graduate of East High School, class of "79", he still remembered my name when we would encounter in recent years. He would say to me, "I remember all my "GOOD" students". This would make me feel good all over. That's the type of encouragement he offered to all. He was always a cheerleader towards success.
He has made a lasting impression in my life and the lives of many. I will always cheerish my memories of him and my years under his tutelage. Job well done Mr. Willis
January 7, 2011
Mr. Willis was such a good principal, mentor and father figure to a lot of us at East. He always remembered his students and had something to say that made you laugh. He made me proud to be an East High Tiger. God be with the family at this time but you like we have so many good memories of Mr. Willis. Now he is walking those halls in Heaven....
Teresa A. Featherstone, Class of '79
January 7, 2011
Rest in Peace, Mr. Willis. Thank you for making East High School a great memory for me! ~~Rebecca '82
January 7, 2011
Please know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers. I am praying for your strength and peace during your time of transition. God Bless.
Marva Jones-Bozeman
EHS C/O '69
Chris Fields
January 7, 2011
Mr. Willis you epotimized what On Excellence- On Excellence meant. Thank you for strong leadership and character you represented to the community and EAST HIGH FAMILY!
Chris Fields 77
January 7, 2011
Thank you for all the great years at East High School.We have really lost a great!Leader in our Community. To Wendy my prayers goes out to you and your Family. Dolly Kelsor Fryar-76 Graduate-CEHS
January 7, 2011
To the Willis family:
Some of my fondest memories in my life consists of my times at East High School and Mr. Willis. He was more than a principal, he was a friend. He always stressed the importance of a good education and more importantly he made me feel valued. He is not only a big part of East High School but a big part of my life. Thank you for sharing him with me.
Barbara Hymes-Michael, Class of 80.
January 7, 2011
To a good and personal friend.God Bless.
THOMAS T. FULLOVE
Cincinnati,Ohio
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