James Welton Willis

LIFE REFLECTIONS James Welton Willis of Conley, GA, departed this life on November 18, 2023, surrounded by his loving family by his side. James affectionately known as ''Jay" by his family and friends, was born March 11,1949, to the late Robert Lee and Dorsey Ree Willis of Cuthbert, Georgia. At an early age Jay joined and was baptized into the Godly family of Virgil Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend E.D. Hill. He attended the Randolph County School system where he graduated in 1968. Jay was always hard working, and it was in High School he received his first job where he worked at Butler's Food Store and purchased his very first vehicle. This was the beginning of his fascination with cars and trucks. After graduating from High School, he moved to Boston, Massachusetts, for a short period of time until he eventually settled in Hartford, Connecticut. He held several jobs but eventually was employed at Pratt &: Whitney, where his career as a Machinist spanned over 16 years. It was in Hartford, Connecticut, where he met and married the love of his life, Ms. Barbara Gay. They were blessed with three children, George, Marcy, and Quanica (Nikki). In the 1990's, the family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked as a truck driver until his health started to decline. Jay was infamously known for being comical, naturally telling jokes that could lighten up anyone's mood. He was a skilled handy man and loved a challenge of fixing things but always got the job done. Jay also loved landscaping and took pride in his work, but more than anything, he loved spending quality time with his family and friends. Jay was preceded by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lee and Dorsey Ree Willis. As well as his two sister -in-laws, Mrs. Raymell Willis and Mrs. Johnnie Maude Willis. Jay leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife of 46 years, Barbara Ann Willis, his three children, George Dukes of Las Vegas, NV; Marcy Moore (Joe) and Quanica (Nikki)Willis, of Atlanta, GA. His grandchildren, Eboni Dixon and Kayla Dixon, Kevin Blount, Deannilyn, Tre’von and Quinten Dukes, Darius and Kendyl Moore, and Adaila Crane. His fifteen great grandchildren. His five siblings, Bennie Willis, Bloomfield, CT; Robert Willis Jr. Cuthbert, GA; Sylvester Willis, Jonesboro, GA; Tommy Willis, Hyde Park, MA; Sandra Willis, Cuthbert, GA; and Aunt Mrs. Annie Ree Starling, Cuthbert, GA. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Mittie Gay, Tuscaloosa, AL. His many nieces and nephews that he was not only an uncle to, but a father figure to as well and a host of other relatives and friends.

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James Welton Willis

March 11, 1949 - November 18, 2023