Willis A. Getchell III

Willis A. Getchell, III, Age 66, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2022.
Beloved brother of Donald P. Myers of Margate, NJ; Thomas S. Myers of Mays Landing, NJ, the late Kevin D. Myers (Marisa), and the late Richard S. Myers (Kimberly). Dear Uncle of Richard Ryan Myers (Christina), Matthew R. Myers (Brittany), Gregory A. Myers (Kelly O'Brien), and Katie E. Laird (Ryan), Christopher Myers, Stephen Myers, Megan Myers, Pamela Myers, Sara Myers, Cara Myers, & Lia Myers; birthday buddy & Great uncle of RJ Myers. He is also survived by his former wife Linda Peters Getchell, her children David Peters (Susan), Ami Podlesnik (Joseph); and grandchildren Tyler & Brooke Peters, and Michael Podlesnik.
Willis was born to the late Willis A. Getchell, II & the late Sophie P. Daring Myers. Willis' father died while he was only an infant. Sophie went on to remarry the late Jarvis J. Myers, which would lead to the birth of his siblings Thomas, and triplets Kevin, Richard, and Donald. Willis was the beloved "big brother" to the boys as he was several years older. Although the family lived in various parts of the country while growing up, Southern New Jersey, specifically the Atlantic County area which became "home". Linda and Willis married and moved to Arizona nearly 30 years ago.
Willis was an award winning and well-respected Culinary Arts Instructor & Chef for over 30 years, proudly earning the title of Certified Executive Chef. Willis began his career as a Chef working in several Atlantic City, NJ kitchens before moving to Arizona. He graduated from the Restaurant School of Philadelphia, earned his Bachelor of Arts & Master's Degree in Education from the American Intercontinental University. His career as a Culinary Arts Instructor carried him throughout many kitchens and classrooms including time at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts – Scottsdale, International Culinary School – Art Institute of Phoenix, East Valley Institute of Technology, and most recently Tolleson Union High School. Willis loved mentoring every one of his students to help them become the best chef possible. He was always willing to share his culinary expertise with anyone. He loved listening to music. Willis had an infectious smile that was larger than life. Despite moving out of the Southern New Jersey Area, Willis never forgot about his roots and always loved visiting the Jersey Shore, and catching up with his South Jersey Family and Friends. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
In honor of Willis' Culinary roots; memorial contributions may be made to the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey, PO Box 177, Absecon, NJ 08201. Sympathy cards for the family may be mailed to Mathis Funeral Home, 58 N. Main St., Medford, NJ 08055. Services will be held privately at a later date.