Charles "Chuck" Ellwood Willis

Charles “Chuck” Ellwood Willis, 90 of Batesville passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021. He was born September 26, 1931 in Limedale, AR to the late William Willis and Reeda (Nixon) Willis. Chuck was of Catholic faith and served his country honorably for over 20 years in the United States Air Force. He was a true patriot and was proud to be an American and cherished his time in the Air Force. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening, and was also a member of the Shriners. Chuck and his loving wife Margarethe were widely known for their extravagant Christmas light display at their home on Ramsey Mountain. Everyone would come from miles around to see the fruits of their labor, as Chuck would sometimes begin preparing his lights in the late summer months.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Margarethe Willis; his brothers, Paul and Phineas Willis of California; his sisters, Lela Mae Lively of California, also Fay Everett and Wyletta English, both of Batesville. He is preceded in death by both parents; his son, Charles Randy Willis; his sisters, Hazel Willis, Peggy Hopper, Dean Stevens, Georgetta Reeves, Zelma Ellerbee, Kathy Joe Rogers, Laura Marie Willis, and Barbara Thompson; and his brothers, Quentin T. Willis, Billy Ray Willis, W.L. Willis, Earnest McCoy, Hardy Willis, Douglas Lee Willis, Turell Gene Willis, and Glen Edward Willis.

Services are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service of Batesville, AR. There will be a visitation on Sunday, January 2, 2022 from 5 pm until 7 pm at Willis Funeral Service. St. Mary’s Catholic Church will host the Rosary/Funeral Mass on Monday, January 3, 2022. The reading of the Rosary will be at 9:30 am with the Funeral Mass to follow at 10 am, officiated by Father Stephen Gadberry with the rendering of military honors to follow.

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