Gary Willison

Gary Ross Willison, 80, husband of the late Phyllis Annette Young Willison, passed away February 26, 2026.

A native of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, son of the late Leonard Merril and Elsie Olivia Semke Willison, he was a U.S. Navy Veteran having enlisted at the age of 18. After several enlistments, he went to work as an Instructor at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, retiring after 30 years where he won Employee of the Year for producing a training program that was implemented in Naval Shipyards across the world and the Special Act of Service Award. After retirement, he was a security guard for Barton Security at the Reedy River in Greenville, South Carolina, earning him an honorary brick in the walkway. Mr. Willison was a member of the American Legion and of the Baptist faith.

He was a dedicated husband, father, brother, and son. He was the most honorable of men, never making a promise he didn't keep. He was patient and kind, he was never demanding or inconsiderate. Mr. Willison was quiet and gentle with a good sense of humor. He was an avid reading, a history buff, a listener of music, a teller of stories, and a lover of licorice. He and his brother, Howard, could often be found at the Waffle House in Greenville.

Surviving are his children, Harry Morris (Cindy) of Stanford, Kentucky, Theresa Tisdale (Albert) of Monks Corner, South Carolina, Karen Finnerty (Tom) of Charleston, South Carolina, Pamela Saunders (Bill) of Lexington, South Carolina, and Linda Littlejohn of Norman, Oklahoma; and seventeen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren that he was always able to tell anyone he met exactly how many there were.

He was predeceased by a son, Thomas Vaughn II and a brother, Howard Willison.

A private service will be held at a later date.

The family is at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.

Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.