Willis Barnes Murchison

Willis Barnes Murchison died on January 10, 2026 from a broken heart after the passing of his beloved wife of 60 years, Sidney this past September. He was her primary caregiver for the past 5 years and provided loving care during her struggle with Alzheimer's.
Willis was a talented painter and artist and created beautiful artwork and stone work on their property. He graduated from Durham High and attended UNC and Durham Tech. He served 4 years in the Navy and married Sidney in 1965. Willis was the owner and operator of Tru-Life Ceramics, a dental lab where he crafted the dental work for local Durham dentists, and later retiring after many years of dedicated service.
Willis loved nature, hiking in the mountains and annual family summer beach trips. He took great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard by himself until his passing. Willis enjoyed weightlifting and working out was a part of his daily routine throughout his life. He continued working out daily until his passing at the age of 86. Willis is one of the few that have never owned a cell phone.
He is survived by his daughters, Janie Lindblom (Shawn), Kimberly Allen (Scott); grandchildren, Kaitlin Ishii (Kenta), Kennedy Lindblom, Carson Allen; and great-granddaughter, Naomi Ishii.
He was a loving and generous husband, father and grandfather. Willis had a fun loving personality, positive outlook, a tremendous sense of humor and will be truly missed. The family hopes to have an art show showcasing his beautiful paintings later this year.
In lieu of flowers or planting a tree, please consider donating to a no kill shelter in the mountains of North Carolina. Cashiers Highlands Humane Society: PO Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717. https://www.chhumanesociety.org/
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.