Wren— Christopher “Chris” E. Willis, 57, passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at NMMC in Tupelo. Chris was born on March 2, 1961, in Jacksonville, Florida.
Chris graduated from Hatley High School with the Class of 1979. He then furthered his education at Mississippi State in 1983, by obtaining a Bachelor Degree specializing in Elementary Education. He loved life and was always upbeat and positive when around others despite the trials in his life. He used his education to teach at Hatley, Hamilton, and Amory middle schools as a Special Education Teacher. Chris was blessed by God with a son and two wonderful grandchildren whom he cherished dearly. Chris was a member of the Wren Presbyterian Church. Chris’s accomplishments, that he would most be proud of, would be his teaching of students and the strong bond he had with his son and family.
He was a caring and compassionate man. A man who valued family greatly, he loved spending quality time with his grandchildren. In his free time, he loved to work on cars, go hunting and fishing. He liked listening to old Rock and Roll especially the Eagles. Chris leaves behind a legacy of love for his family and friends to cherish forever. He will be missed dearly by all that knew and loved him.
Chris is survived by his son, Christopher Stewart Willis (Hannah Nichole), Wren; grandchildren, Hannah Kaylen Willis and Christopher Samuel Willis, Wren; sister, Becky Hathcock (Stacy), Florence, AL; brother, Walt Willis (Susan), Amory; mom, Judy Willis, Wren; step-daughter, Stephanie Nicole Holloway, Hamilton; nieces and nephews, Witt and Aynslee Willis; Mathew and Jon Morgan Hathcock.
He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Betty Rayburn and his father, Samuel Eugene Willis.
A funeral service will be held for Chris at 3PM on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home, with Bro. Jim Ray officiating. Pallbearers will be Rusty Murphee, Randy Nicholson, and Tim Pearson.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, from 5 pm to 8 pm at the funeral home in Amory.
Donations may be made to the Amory Humane Society, P.O. Box 218, Amory, MS 38821 and the Wren Cemetery Fund, POB 491 , Wren, MS.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com