To a life well lived -- I was fortunate enough to know Mac Willis as the father of one of my dearest friends and also as my boss while a student at Reinhardt.  So I witnessed him in a variety of roles.  But by far one of my most fond memories is the compassion he showed to my mom, Elaine Short, who also worked at Reinhardt for many years.  As she struggled with Parkinson's Disease, she tried to maintain her strength and decorum while working at a job she loved.  Mac was a caring soul who took an interest in her well being and made sure to pop in with a kind smile and a sweet word of encouragement.  I will forever be grateful.  Peace and comfort to this special family -

Thinking of each of you during this difficult time. Praying for the grace and peace to lay your loved one to rest. 

So very sorry for your loss.  Praying for comfort & peace for you & your family.

Thinking of you during this hard time. Sending hugs, love and prayers. Please let us know how we can be supportive. 

A lifetime ago when the Willis family moved to Waleska, Rachael and I befriended one another in 5th grade.  From that moment, so many of my childhood memories include their home and her family.  Sitting on rocking chairs on the wrap around porch in the blazing heat of summer; swimming at the Reinhardt pool; sipping lemonade under the ceiling fans.  Mac Willis was a fun, pipe-smoking, lovable dad figure who let us roam about the house and would make some bemused comments as we scuttled about.  He would drive us to football games and sit contentedly in the bleachers as we scarfed down hotdogs.  He would drive us home, listening to our chatter and also completely ignoring it as adults do so well.     As an adult looking back, I can see so clearly how much he loved his children; how happy he was; how much their happiness was his happiness.   As time passed, I don't think I saw Mac Willis again until my own parents died.  He and Pam attended their funerals.   There was nothing more comforting  than seeing a face from your childhood -- the lines a little deeper; the hair a little grayer; the bend of the back a little stooped.  But the eyes of pure kindness and love had never changed.   We had kept up with one another through Rachael.  He patted my shoulder.  He mentioned something recent that had happened in my life that Rachael had shared.     In my mind, I will always remember him,  sharply dressed, a pipe between his teeth, a twinkle of a smile forming on his face, and a quick wave of his hand as walked out a door.       


Please omit flowers.

Graveside Services Will Be Conducted

Surviving are his wife of over 58 years, Pamela Williams Willis; daughters, Pamela Candace Willis, Rachael Willis Young; granddaughter, Margaret Allyn “Molly” and a niece and nephews.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

McDonald "Mac" Willis

18 décembre 1937 – 13 juillet 2019

H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

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