Billy E. Willis

Billy E. Willis, of Germantown, retired from Firestone Rubber Company and executive secretary of Memphis AFL-CIO Labor Council passed away in Paula’s arms on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at the age of 91. Billy was a WWII Marine Veteran and Army Reserve Veteran. He was a longtime member of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church where he served many offices within the church. Billy was very instrumental in labor movements and community organizations including the sanitation strike and marching along the side of Martin Luther King during that. He was preceded in death by his wife Hazel Gafford Willis, his son Dennis E. Willis, two brothers Marvin and Ray Willis, and a sister Elizabeth Willis. Billy leaves his daughter Paula Bucy (Dr. William Bucy) whom he loved like a son, a granddaughter Leland Bucy Fox and her husband Joseph Fox whom he loved as a grandson, his companion and friend for 10 years Margie White, a loving sister-in-law Demetra Lawrence, special family member Leland’s mom Kate Stockton Bucy of Jackson, MS whom he loved very much, his best friend Fred Ashwell and a special thanks to Paula’s circle of best girlfriends who have helped Billy, Paula and Bill during this difficult time. There will be a gathering of family and friends from twelve o’ clock until service time at two o’clock, on Friday, August 7, 2015, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, with interment to follow at Memphis Memory Gardens. Memorials may be sent the Church Health Center or MIFA.