Carlton Eugene Willis

WILLIS, Carlton Eugene, 85, passed away on January 6, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Huylar Willis and Daisy Powers Willis; his brother, William Willis; sisters, Edith Swinson, Evelyn Allanson and Roselle Alvis. Carlton was born in Hanover County, Va., and spent 80 years living in Montpelier, Va. He is survived by his son, James M. Willis of Mechanicsville, Va.; daughter, Kimberly A Willis of Glen Allen, Va.; brother, Thomas Willis of Ashland; sister-in-law, Louise Willis of Montpelier, Va.; as well as many nephews and nieces. He was very active in his community and was a member of Hopeful Baptist Church, served as President of the Montpelier Jaycee's Club and Hanover Ruritan Club and served on the Hanover Grand Jury for many years. He also worked part- time as a deputized Hanover officer to work special functions in the county. Carlton was a retiree from the Virginia ABC Board with over 51 years of service, and at the time he was the longest-serving employee to have worked for the ABC Board. After he retired from being an ABC manager, he went back to work at the ABC store as a clerk because he missed seeing all the people he had met through his career. He loved interacting with his customers and they all loved his humor. Carlton had many hobbies and loved being outdoors at his home in Montpelier. For those who really knew him, Christmas was his favorite time of year. He enjoyed decorating at this time of year with a passion. He started out with only a few, but as time went on he had 476 blue Christmas lights outside his home. Everyone that went down Clazemont Road could see the lights glow before they got to them, and he won several awards for this hobby. Carlton resided the last five years at Morningside Assisted Living and the family would like to express their appreciation to the staff. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family will be having graveside services only at Hopeful Baptist Church cemetery on January 12, 2021, at 2 p.m. The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hanover County Sheriff's Office Foundation at https://www.hanoversheriff.com/223/Sheriffs-Office-Foundation-HCSOF, Hopeful Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice. For condolences, see www.blileys.com.