John Wayne Willis

John Wayne Willis, 69, of Martinsville, died Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at Kindred Hospital in Greensboro, NC. He was born in Franklin County, January 25, 1943 to Paul Edward and Lois Dudley Willis. He was a 1961 graduate of Martinsville High School and received his associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Patrick Henry Community College. Mr. Willis retired from the Martinsville City Police Department where he was an investigator for 28 years. He was a member of Chatham Heights Baptist Church where he served as a chaperone for youth mission trips and was involved in Eastern Shore mission trips for the past 10 years. He was also a member of Martinsville Bulldog Boosters and Martinsville High School Wrestling Boosters.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Edward Willis.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Simmons Willis of the residence; one daughter, Sodonia Willis of Martinsville; two sons, John W. Willis, Jr. and wife, Kim W. Willis of Greensboro, NC, Thomas D. Willis and wife Lisa F. Willis of Martinsville; one granddaughter, Katie S. Belcher of Greensboro; one sister, Margie W. Prillaman and husband, John Donald (Donnie) Prillaman of Bassett; one sister-in-law, Louise Turner of Martinsville and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Chatham Heights Baptist Church with interment in Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville and other times at the home of Thomas and Lisa Willis, 814 Corn Tassel Trail, Martinsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chatham Heights Baptist Church, 1235 Chatham Road, Martinsville, VA 24112 or to the Martinsville City Police Benevolence Fund, P. O. Box 1101, Martinsville, VA 24114.