Timmy Yearby Willis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Timmy Yearby Willis, age 64, of Bessemer, Alabama, who left this world peacefully on October 11, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Though our hearts ache with loss, we celebrate a life that was overflowing with love and laughter. We can all only hope to leave this world as well remembered as Tim.

Tim was practically world renowned for his larger-than-life personality and he lived life to the fullest every minute. Tim never met a stranger and was loved by all who encountered his lively, jovial zest for life.

Tim would be quick to tell you that the greatest joy of his life and source of pride was found in his family, especially his daughters, son in laws, and grandchildren. These bonds affectionately gave him the name of Pop. Nothing brought more joy than hearing the laughter of the grandchildren, attending their games and events or sharing a prank. Most recently stating he would attend the upcoming game if he had to crawl.

He always wanted to make sure everyone felt loved and sometimes showed it by trying to see how much he could aggravate or embarrass you. Tim was the most generous man, giving to anyone and all.

Tim taught us the value of hard work, he loved Alabama football, golf, Nascar racing, darts, pool, horse riding, but most of all being the biggest jokester around.

Tim dedicated many years of his life to his profession as a welder in the Birmingham area, where he was known for his skill and commitment to the trade. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Tim was an active participant in the American Pool Players Association. He enjoyed playing in various local and national tournaments, where his passion for the game and camaraderie with fellow players was well known.

Tim is preceded in death by his parents, Freeman Y. and Mary Lou Willis; his brother, Gary F. Willis; and many beloved four-legged friends. He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Willis Kerley (Dax) and Marianne Willis Walker (Phil); grandchildren, Emily Kerley Logan (Davis), Jaxon Timothy Kerley, Lexi Walker, Dax Kerley, and Sawyer Walker. Tim is also remembered by his “Friend of the Family,” Sunday Willis Hosch; his sisters, Pat Troxell, Debra Shepherd, Betty Hogue, and Donna Ware; numerous nieces and nephews; and an unfathomable number of other relatives and friends.

All are welcome to a memorial service to honor Tim’s life on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Birmingham Community Church, located at 2269 Chapel Rd, Birmingham, AL 35226. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM and continue until the start of the service.

Though Tim is no longer with us, his legacy of steadfast love, laughter, and devotion to family will continue to live on through every one of you that he so proudly adored.

Patterson Forest Grove Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Willis family during their time of bereavement. Expressions of condolences and sympathy may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhomes.com.

"Building relationships~One family at a time."