Guy Karn Willison

Guy Karn
Willison
November 23, 1916-
April 4, 2015
Atlanta, Georgia- Guy Karn Willison was born November 23, 1916 in Billings, MT, a member of the Greatest Generation. He was raised in Casper, WY; attended Natrona County High School and then the University of Wyoming where he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad to put himself through college. As a young man he was proud to have an Indian motorcycle and later a Harley Davidson. He was a captain in ROTC as well as a sharpshooter while at the university. He was one quarter away from graduating when his ROTC unit was called to active duty in World War II. He was ordered to report for duty at Fort Benning, GA where he met and married his wife of 66 years, Frances Willis.
Guy and Frances were married June 6, 1943 in the fellowship hall at St Luke's Methodist Church in Columbus, GA. A few months later, Lt Willison was deployed to England and then to France shortly after the D Day Invasion as a part of the second wave of the invasion where he fought in the Campaigns for France and for the Rhineland under Gen. Patton. He fought his way across France and was twice wounded, earning a Purple Heart with 2 oak leaf clusters. He was captured before Christmas 1944 near Freiburg, Germany trying to rescue his platoon's medic. He was a Prisoner of War in Oflagg XIII B, one of the worst German prison camps at the end of the War according to Wikipedia, where he lost 100 pounds, suffered frozen feet, forced marches as the Germans moved the camp to avoid the Advancing Allies, was liberated briefly by Gen. Patton, then recaptured, and liberated again at the end of the War. Lt Willison was Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Georgia Tech following the War until his tour of duty ended. He never spoke of his experiences in the War.
After his discharge from the Army, Guy returned to Columbus to live quietly. Guy put a high value on education saying that a good education was something that could not be taken from a person. He gave up his GI educational benefits to his daughter so that she could attend medical school. He ultimately completed his studies and received his degree from Columbus College in 1984.
Guy and Frances were very active members of the community throughout their lives. They were active in volunteer activities in hospitals, in their Church, and in civic organizations. Their hobbies included gardening, needlework, crafts, and especially traveling both at home and abroad.
Guy was an owner and Secretary/Treasurer of the Muscogee Mortgage Company and owner Manager of DixieBuilt Corporation. Later he was a Private Real Estate Investor/Manager and then a Private Financial Advisor before retirement.
Guy was a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Homebuilders of America. He is a Distinguished Past President of the Kiwanis Club of South Columbus. He was a Mason for over 75 years reaching the 32nd degree, a member of the Scottish Rite, and the Sojourners. He and Frances were long term members of St Luke's Methodist Church where they were members of the "Jesus is Lord" Sunday School Class.
Guy and Frances moved from Columbus to Atlanta, GA in 1998 to be close to their daughter Carlene and her family. As Frances' health began to fail, Guy was a tireless caregiver for the last 10 years of her life.
Guy died peacefully on the morning of April 4, 2015 at his home in The Piedmont at Buckhead at the age of 98. He was a good man, deeply religious and highly principled, strong but kind and gentle, who loved his family and was a devoted son, husband, and father. We will miss his bright mind, his stories, his quick wit, his wisdom, and the love he had for all of us.
He was predeceased by his father, George Sidney Willison, and mother, Beulah (Talcott) Willison, brother, Albert Willison, sister, Carol (Willison) Shaffer, and wife, Frances (Willis) Willison. He is survived by a daughter, Dr. Carlene (Willison) Elsner of Atlanta, a son-in-law, Dr. Bill Elsner, and two granddaughters Heather Elsner and Ashley Elsner.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the Edgewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby with Reverend Dick Reese officiating. Interment will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.