Joseph Herman Willis, Jr.

In 1958, Herman graduated from Lyons Industrial High School in Lyons, Georgia. He then moved to Washington, DC where he and his brother, Bill, pursued their careers in the textiles industry. Herman was a Carpet Technician and created designer pieces adored by many homes. In 1975, Herman and Bill marked history and formed their own company known as “Willis Carpet and Tile Center.” They served their loyal community for nearly 15 years bringing luxury designs to home.

Herman had a love for travel. Through his lifetime, he had traveled to Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. Hawaii was his favorite place in the entire world. The Willis family would travel to Hawaii every year on family vacations. Once on their trip they spent an entire day trying to find papakolea, or green sand. Determined, they continued to search through the heat (luckily there was a nice breeze) but they finally found a small patch. They have kept the sand in their home for almost 50 years now! Herman’s other joys in life included fishing, BMX bike racing, and firing up the grill and watching The Western Channel (with his favorite treat, a Snickers candy bar).

Herman’s absolute enjoyment came from his entire family. His love was deeper than any ocean, grew faster than any BMX bike, burned hotter than any fire, and more wild than the ole’ west. Even in his last days, his qualities as a man never changed. He never complained, he was a dedicated son and father, and was a firm believer in punctuality.

In addition to his parents, Herman was proceeded in death by his sister, Lois Willis, and his brothers’, Joseph A. (Joe Albert) Willis and William (Bill) Willis. His devoted wife, Agatha Willis; his son, Christopher Joseph Willis; two daughters, Lolita Willis of Blue Springs, MO, and Ashley A. Willis of Washington D.C.; three grandsons, Nicolas Antonio Willis of Blue Springs, MO, Jace Anthony Willis of Washington D.C., and Ari Michael Willis Emanuel of Silver Spring, MD.; and one great-grandson, Breland Antonio Willis, survive Herman. Survivors also include his beloved sister, Mary Willis Davis of St. Petersburg, FL; nieces, Marcelle, Vickie, and Katina; his nephew, Vincent; and many more loving family members’ and friends.