Charles Jackson Willits

Charles (Charlie) Jackson Willits

Charles (Charlie) Jackson Willits passed away December 7, 2003, in Fresno, while attending a California State Bowling Association meeting. He was born in Bakersfield on June 8, 1927. He moved to Eureka as a child where he attended local schools.

He joined the Merchant Marines during World War II and served as a Sergeant in the Army during the Korean War. He owned and operated several local service stations.

Charlie took his love of bowling to a higher level than most. In 1962, he started taking on the paperwork for the leagues and became secretary to the leagues on which he bowled.

Prior to 1989 when he took on the job of Humboldt Bowling Association Executive Director, Charlie had served as Director, Vice President, and President of HBA. He was inducted into the HBA Hall of Fame in 1980. He also represented 13 associations throughout Northern California in CSBA.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Marilyn (Mary) Willits; his daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Dave Hicks; his son, Tim Willits and his companion Jim Cammack; his son, Christopher Willits; grandchildren, Steven and wife April Hicks, Scott Hicks and fiance Kathy Spallino, Stuart and wife Tiffany Hicks; his great-grandchildren, Olivia, Brianna, Katie, and Noah Hicks, and Nicole, Ashley and Kristen Morgenstern; his brother and sister-in-law, Wes and Barbara Willits; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held on January 10, 2004, at 10:00 am at 3214 ‘G’ Street, Eureka.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to: Lucile Packard Foundation Cystic Fibrosis General Research, 770 Welch Road, Suite 350, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, as some local children with Cystic Fibrosis held a special place in Charlie’s heart.

Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.