J. D. Willis, age 94, of Sardis, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born May 18, 1920, in Jones.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Bertha Williams Willis; daughter, Peggy Sue Willis; mother, Dora; father, Jesse; and stepmother, Vesta Willis.

He is survived by his sons, Harold (Wanda), Richard (Gayle) and David (Carolyn) Willis; daughters, M Joyce Willis, Dorothy (Bobby) Jones, Grace Willis, Elizabeth (Lewis) Stone, Linda Staggers, Janice (Don) McConnell, Martha (Claude) Holbrook and Judy (Ray) Duncan; 26 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; sisters, Sybil McLean, Katherine Chappelle, Vivian (Bob) Hollis, Ester Mae (Ulysses) Chappell; brother, Jimmy (Henrietta) Willis; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins who were very special to him.

J. D. was a long time member of Union United Methodist Church, a World War II veteran and a 53 year member of Selma Lodge No 926, Valley of Montgomery Scottish Rite and other civic organizations.

A celebration of his life will be Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Selma Funeral Home chapel with sister Linda Tarver, the Rev. Daniel Martin and the Rev. Steve Vernon officiating. Interment will follow in Pineview Memory Gardens with Selma Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to extend a special appreciation to his caregivers, Grace Shannon, Shirley Hill and the staff of Gentiva Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to your favorite charity.

You may go online to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at http://www.selmafuneralhome.com/.