Paul Winter Willits, age 89, beloved husband, devoted father, loving grandfather and great grandfather died Monday, December 4, 2012 at Clark Retirement Community. Paul was born December 6, 1922 to Dr. Paul Winter Willits and Alice Jane Reese Willits. Paul grew up and attended school in our area and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School. Paul attended Northwestern University, graduating after obtaining a degree in accounting and business. During World War II Paul served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Asian Theatre and fought in the campaign for the liberation of the Philippines Islands. Paul had a long and distinguished career and retired from Butterworth Hospital after 30 years as accounts manager. Paul joined Trinity United Methodist in 1935. He served as church treasurer for 20 years. He was their longest continuously active member. Paul was a longtime member of Kiwanis Club and well known for his volunteer work in our area. Paul married Alice Carey in 1950 and they were married for 62 years. He was preceded in death by a sister in law Sadie Carey. Besides his wife Paul is survived by his children Paul W. Willits III, Diane (John) Hamel and Tamsen (Lew) La Dou; ten grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; a brother John C. (Beverly) Willits; sisters in law Nancy (George) Zeto and Carole Belkle; brothers in law Thomas ( Julie) Carey and Calvin Schumack also many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held Monday, December 10, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at Clark Retirement Community Chapel, 1551 Franklin S.E. Grand Rapids, MI with Rev. David Nellist and Rev. Tim Tuthill officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or Special Olympics. To view Paul’s life tribute and leave a message go to reyersnorthvalleychapel.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18