David Porter Willis

David Porter Willis was born on July 14, 1942 in Fort Jackson, South Carolina and died peacefully at 80 years of age on February 16, 2023 in Woodstock, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his father Maurice Porter Willis, mother Eva Rowe Willis, sister Elizabeth Willis Conner, & brother-in law Larry Davis.

He is survived by his former wife Carol Sikes Willis of Smyrna, GA; his daughters Tonya Willis Cantrell (Jason) of Canton, GA and Kimberly Willis Jarvis (Patrick) of Dallas, GA; brother Thomas Rowe Willis (Gretchen) of Fairfax, VA; brother-in-law Tony Conner (Pat) of Gainesville, GA; and sisters Deborah Willis Davis of Georgetown, TX and Nancy Willis Zeiger (Timothy) of Georgetown, TX and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews across the nation. He was also extremely proud of his ONE & ONLY grandson Austin Patrick Jarvis and was able to attend his wedding to Samantha this past summer.

David graduated from Lee High School in Montgomery, AL in 1960 and went on to graduate from Auburn University in 1966 and obtained his Masters in Audiology from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. in 1969.

He had many passions in life. As a small child his parents shared with him Christian songs, scriptures and prayers which helped him realize his need for a personal Savior.

Through the years, he was involved in many churches including being a charter member of Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL. He also participated in Bible study groups as well as Deaf Ministries.

His love of teaching the Deaf grew as he began interpreting for the Deaf. For many years, he served the Deaf professionally by making sure they were tested and fitted with just the right hearing aid. Even after retiring, he continued to interpret in church.

Another passion he had, which he shared with his grandfather, was genealogy. His grandfather had drawn out generations of the Rowe family onto paper and, through the years, he turned many of those notebooks of ancestry into computer files. He could spend HOURS poring over the data and furthering each thread of research. He proudly left us with a compilation of much of his research.

He enjoyed square dancing for over 20 years, where he met many friends and even attended out-of-town conventions.

He not only loved to eat food but also learned how to do some work as a private chef after attending Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France.

In addition to his degrees and various certifications he was also proud to be a Kentucky Colonel, and an Auburn Alumni Association Golden Eagle.

Memorial gifts may be made in memory of David to: All for His Glories Ministries (www.allforhisglory.org) or Helping Hands of Paulding County (http://hhpcga.org/community-support/how-to-donate)

The family will receive friends from 11 am to 1 pm Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna. A memorial service will be held 1 pm Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in the chapel of the funeral home. A reception will follow, with food provided. No graveside services.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kennesawmemorialpark.com for the Willis family.