Vincent Claude Willis

Lt. Col. Vincent Claude Willis went home to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his loving son, Vincent “Chip” Claude Willis Jr., Chip’s girlfriend Romalie who took care of him the last 2 years, Step-Daughter Linda O’Neal and Grandson Vincent Claude Willis III. Vincent was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Vincent was born in Auburn New York to Claude Winfield Willis and Mildred Pelton Willis. He spent his childhood in New York with his 7 siblings, who lovingly called him Buster.

Vincent joined the Air Force in 1943 and became a pilot. He served for 30 years. While in the Air Force, Vincent served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. As a pilot he flew the B-24, B-19, B-29, KC-97, and the KC-135. His decorations and medals include: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Air Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star.

He traveled all over the world and lived all over the United States. After retirement from Travis AFB in 1973, he lived in Merced, California where he got his teaching credential from Stanislaus State College. He was a substitute teacher in bother Atwater and Merced, CA for 6 years. He spent his retirement fishing, gardening and traveling with his wife. He loved to play golf at least 2 times a week with his buddy Bobby Pryor. He was a devoted church member, sang in the choir where he made lifelong friends. He also thoroughly enjoyed the daily comics and crossword puzzles.

In 1958, Vincent married Yvonne Holly. Together, they had 2 children, Vincent “Chip” Claude Willis Jr. and Margaret Yvonne Willis.

Vincent had 5 other children from a previous marriage.

Vincent is survived by his siblings: Winfield, Nylotis, Doris, and Minda; his 6children, 2 Step-Daughters, 21 Grandchildren, and 14 Great-Grandchildren.

Vincent was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife, Yvonne, daughter Margaret, Brother’s Francis and Gerald, Sister Bettilou and Grandson Brett.

Visitation will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, CA, 95340 on October 11, 2015 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. A “Celebration of life” will be held on October 12, 2015 at Christian Life Center at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will precede the memorial.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in the name of Lt. Col. Vincent C. Willis to the Veteran program at Break the Barriers, 8555 N. Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA, 93720.