Mr. Stephen Willis

87, passed May 3, 2014. Mr. Willis was born November 14, 1926 in Chicago, IL. He is survived by his wife, Rose N. Showalter Willis of Orlando, FL; son, Kevin G. Willis of Edgewater, FL; daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie L. and John Britz of Atlanta, GA; stepsons and daughter-in-laws, Charles T. and Carolyn Bolick III, and John D. and Betty Bolick, both of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Erin E. Strickland (Brad) of Jacksonville, FL; Andrew Britz of Atlanta, GA; Gregory Britz of Savannah, GA; Kevin J. Willis and Austin N. Willis, both of Arizona; step-grandchildren, Thomas Bolick IV of Orlando, FL, Daniel Bolick of Winter Park, FL and Nicholas Bolick of Casselberry, FL; and one great grandchild, Brandon J. Strickland of Jacksonville, FL.

Steve Willis began his career with Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) at the age of 39, as manager of the newly formed Public Relations Department. He was a champion for employee safety and in 1967 created OUC’s Safety Division and Medical Division in 1968. He began to shape his new department by adding five new divisions. These changes were instrumental in preparing for the move to the new OUC building now known as the Aloft Orlando Downtown.

By 1972, the number of divisions grew from five to nine with the additions of marketing and support operations departments. Steve knew that the benefits of specialization and the division of labor would reduce costs and increase efficiency, and benefit OUC’s customers.

In 1980, Steve created the Conservation Division for OUC which developed numerous conservation initiatives. This served as the foundation for OUC’s energy and water conservation efforts. In 1985, OUC introduced a Low Income Home Energy Fix-up Program for homeowners who could not afford to make the minor repairs and improvements needed to save energy. Continuing his crusade for employee welfare, a Benefits Division was created to deal with escalating benefits expenses and implement cost containment measures. By 1987, the Public Relations Dept. had grown to eight divisions.

Steve continued to restructure the Public Relations Department to meet the needs of customers and maintain the strong relationship OUC cherished with the community. He opened OUC’s first satellite customer service center in 1988 which was a great benefit to the community.

Prior to assuming his position with OUC, Steve was a former newspaperman and Assistant Administrator with Orange Memorial (Orlando Health) for seven years.

During his tenure with Orange Memorial as Public Relations Director, his public relations program was chosen as the best among the nation’s large hospitals. Steve received several other national honors including the Florida Public Relations Association’s Merit Award in an all-industry competition.

Steve was a straight “A” student out through high school receiving 1 “B” at the age of 12. He graduated at the young age of 16 from Palm Beach High and immediately enrolled at the University of Alabama on a football scholarship. During his first semester of football he received a broken nose. His second semester resulted in a dislocated shoulder. Eventually he discovered girls and, of course, flunked out of Alabama.

With his parent’s permission Steve enlisted in the U.S. Naval Service serving as a gunner on a destroyer in the Pacific Theatre. He was wounded and spent 3 months in a hospital in Manila. Steve was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received while trying to save the life of another sailor. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 as Seaman 1st Class.

After the war, Steve attended the University of Miami, graduating in 1950 with a degree in journalism. He lived in Orlando working for the Florida-Times Union, Jacksonville as Central Florida Bureau Chief and special assignment reporter. Eventually, Steve joined the Orlando Sentinel-Star covering county government.

Steve was a leader in many community and industry organizations. He was the first chairman of Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group’s Public Information Committee, chairman of the Florida Municipal Utilities Association Public Relations Committee, and served three years as chairman of the Public Information Committee of the American Water Works Division. He was past vice president of the Orlando Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chamber’s Committee of 200 and the Action/Orlando Committee. Steve also served as director of United Way, Central Florida Fair Association, Central Florida Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Central Florida Chapter of American Red Cross and the Central Florida Civic Theatre.

Steve was a founding member of Rio Pinar Country Club and a longtime member of The University Club and Citrus Club Orlando. He was Director of the Tangerine Sports Association, and Co-chairman of the first Florida Citrus Open Golf Tournament in 1966 at Orlando’s Rio Pinar Country Club. He served as chairman for the next nine years. He was Chairman of the Press Room and Credential Committees for the Florida Lady Classic, the Lady Errol Golf Classic and the Citrus Open, Steve was a past president of the Optimist Little League.

Steve loved golf, travel, reading, good meals and spending time with friends. He and his beloved wife, Rose, traveled extensively throughout Europe where they made many endearing friendships. Their extensive travels included many Mediterranean, Baltic and Caribbean cruises.

Those who knew Steve, knew this: He treasured loyalty from those who gave it, expected truthfulness from all, and admired strong and knowledgeable people. By the same token he loathed dishonesty and slovenly work.

In keeping with the wishes of Steve Willis there will be no funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, please give and make a difference to:

Orlando Union Rescue Mission

911 W. Central Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32805

(407) 841-7578

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

411 Mercy Drive

Orlando, FL 32805

(407) 295-1066

Arrangements are being handled by Baldwin Fairchild Conway Chapel.

1413 S. Semoran Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32807

407-277-6700