DONALD WILLIS

Donald Thurber Willis  
Of Potomac Falls, Virginia, died peacefully at his home on May 12, 2018. He is survived by the love of his life, Elsa, his wife of 65 years, along with his three sons, six grandchildren and one great-grandson. They include Christopher (Susan) of Framingham, MA., Douglas (Nancy) of Madison, NJ and Donald Jr. (Frances) of Charlotte, NC., and his beloved grandchildren, Sam, Sarah, Jack, Douglas Jr., Peter, Donald III, and great-grandson, William. For part of his early childhood years, Don attended St. Thomas Choir School in New York City and soloed in the choir. Upon graduation from Garden City High School Don attended and graduated from the University of Maryland where he played on the football team. Don served in the USAF as an intelligence officer, during the Korean War, and also played football for the USAF in the Armed Services leagues. In 1956, Don joined IBM. Don's IBM career spanned 36 years in Sales and Marketing in New York City, Washington, DC and Hong Kong. Don was named as one of IBM's top Account Executives and was instrumental in IBM's historic System/360 success. After retiring from IBM, Don and Elsa enjoyed many cruises all over the world. Don also enjoyed volunteering, first for Mended Hearts at Georgetown Hospital, and then served for 15 years as a Traveler's Aide at Dulles Airport. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, May, 19, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 6715 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Don may be made to St. John's Church Music Ministry.