Sidney Howard Willis

Sidney Howard Willis entered this passage on earth on August 15, 1945 in Roanoke, Virginia to George Maddison Willis and Lettie Harrison Willis. He was one of nine siblings. His season to step into eternity arrived on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Springhill Memorial Hospital.
He gave his life to Christ at a young age and joined Big Hill Baptist Church in Roanoke County, Virginia. It was through his military travel that he ended up settling in Mobile, Alabama. Here, he joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev Gabe Davis and later Rev. Michael Brown.. At New Hope, he served as a Trustee and Usher. Later, he moved his membership to Greater Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. Here, he served as Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, Church Treasurer and Ushered as needed. He was installed as a Deacon on December 7, 2008. Dea. and Sis. Willis lead the church in weekly Tuesday Night Bible Study and Wednesday Night Prayer Service through the conference calls from 6-6:30.
He also volunteered to do his Christian duty by collecting food from the food pantry the third Thursday of each month from the Gateway Ministries of Navco Baptist Church. The food was distributed to the sick and shut-in members of Mt. Carmel. He would always call his Deacon's list to see how they were doing, praying and encouraging them in the Faith of God.
Sidney joined the United States Coast Guard in September of 1965 and was stationed at Safety Statia Sabine, Texas/Port Arthur, Texas. He also was stationed in Ketchikan, Arkansas for a short time.
His active duty totaled 22 years before he retired on February 1, 1987 as Chief Petty Officer / Gunner's Mate/Range instructor/Personnel.
After which, he decided Mobile was his forever home. In June 1987, he was hired by Mobile County Sheriff's Department/Thomas J Purvis, as a Corrections Officer. Here, he received many accommodations and awards. He became a Sergeant after 3 years. At the end of his 18 year 3 month tenure, he was over the Transportation Department for 15 years. He was then transferred to the Court House as Supervisor of Annex Operations. On May 18, 1996 he received the Sheriff's Commendation award.
Sidney was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lettie Willis: Mary W. Slash, George Willis, Jr., Larry Willis, Gary Willis, Bernice Willis and Janice Claxton; one niece, Sharon Owens and son-in-law, Ricardo Pearson.
His memories will be cherished by his Loving Wife of twenty-three years, Eartha Williams Willis. Two daughters, Troy L. Edwards and Karen T. Pearson of Huntsville, AL; two wonderful grandsons, Kevin (Tarryn) Garlington of Jacksonville, FL, Ricardo (Kelsey) Pearson II of Greenwood, IN. Along with two loving great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Beau Garlingon. God-children, Monique McKenzie of Jackson, AL, Jada Stone of Allen, TX; Devin Washington of Huntsville, AL; Mercy Nored, Uriah, Seth and Titus Broughton all of Mobile, AL. Along with a host of fellow church members, former co-workers, family and friends. Deacon Willis will be truly missed by all who encountered him.