William Martin Willis Jr.

WILLIS JR., William Martin, passed on to the Lord on 13 Feb 2018 at the age of 79 years. He was born on 27 Feb 1938 in Memphis, TN to William Martin (Sr) and Cora (Paudert) Willis. He was known by various nicknames throughout his careers in both the music and hotel fields--“Martin”, “Sonny”, and “Willy”.

Martin leaves behind his son, William Martin Willis III, his three grandchildren (Stephanie, William IV, and Benjamin), great-granddaughter (Elise Barja), his brother Frank (Judy), “adopted” daughter (Magdalena Hernandez), and many friends throughout his adventurous and successful life. He was a widower for 40 years and the good news is that he rejoins his wife Elizabeth “Lee” Willis and predeceased daughters Melody and Kathy Willis in Heaven.

After high school, Martin attended Memphis State University for about one year before branching out into the music field. He was an original Sun Studio musician and anchor of the house band/studio musicians of the same. He performed in the studio, on the road, and even movies with many artists hailing from Memphis in the 50’s and 60’s that included Billy Lee Riley, Conway Twitty, Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Bill Black’s Combo, Roland Janes, Jack Clement, Bill Justis, Johnny Bernero, Eddie Cash, and Sonny Burgess. Many musicians would travel and sit in with him when he was performing at the Nite Liter, Sterick, Starlight and various supper clubs of Memphis--including Pete Fountain and Al Hirt. He was a master horn player, composer, arranger, and director. He played the Alto, Tenor, Baritone saxes, clarinet and flute and was distinctly unique because he could play in the guitar chords. He had many hits and topped the Billboard charts with Bill Black’s Combo in 1961 when they performed in the movie, “Teenage Millionaire”, with Chubby Checker, Rocky Graziano, Dion, and Jackie Wilson. His Baritone Sax solo in Charlie Rich’s “Lonely Weekends” was a first and always remained a standard for Charlie throughout his years. He last performed with his friends in 2006 for the Memphis in May concert between the Chicago and James Brown artist lineups. He is a Rockabilly Hall of Fame member and lifelong member of the Memphis Federation of Musicians, Local 71.

After the birth of his son in 1965, Martin knew he had to get off the road, so a fan (Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday inns) offered him the restaurant manager job of the Memphis Peabody Hotel and thus began his second career. He was a successful Hotelier, General and Regional Manager for Holiday Inns and Quality Inns and eventually earned his Masters and Doctorate, Ph.D. degrees. He was often sought out to build, establish or fix hotel properties all over America. Although he travelled many miles for business and lived in numerous States, he always considered Valrico, FL his home (moved there in 1978).

Martin was listed many times in America’s “Who’s Who” and earned many accolades during his 40+year career. Additionally, he was awarded the “Friendly Floridian” and “Kentucky Colonel” designations by the Governors of Florida and Kentucky.

He was a Master Mason (Desoto Lodge #299, Memphis, TN) and Shriner (Egypt Temple).

In his retirement, Martin volunteered for the local Food Pantry, Sandwiches for the Homeless, and Meals on Wheels. He spent his last years at the Alafia Village Assisted Living Facility in Brandon, FL. He still enjoyed playing music, watching old westerns, and shows from the ‘60s.

A memorial and Masonic rights will be given on 20 February 2018 at the Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery. Viewing begins at 9 AM with the Service following at 10 AM. No flowers, please. Please give generously to the Shriner Children’s Hospitals at www.shrinershospitals.org/donate.