Joseph Lee Willis

Joseph L. “Joe Willie” Willis, age 63 a loving husband, son, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed to his heavenly home on January 10, 2018. Born November 7, 1953. Joe was raised in Columbus, Ohio on the Eastside. At an early age due to his father’s untimely death Joe became the “man of the house” very protective of his young sister and mother. As a young man with ambition and drive Joe was a loyal senior boy scout, paper carrier, and at the age of 18 started 25+ year career with chase bank where he held several positions in the IT department and met his wife, Jacki, the love of his life.

As a teen Joe played varsity football for East high school and graduated with the class of ’71. Joe was a life time member of the Cavalier Club of Columbus, serving as their business manager. Throughout his life Joe held a variety of interests, projects and hobbies. An avid golfer, he was a member of the Rainmakers Golf Group, and loved the challenge of the game. An accomplished fisherman, Joe’s interest in fishing led him to become an expert maker of lures. He loved spending time with family and friends, recording family gatherings, and capturing on film or in a video important life moments.

Joe especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. As the first grandchild, Myicha held a special place in her “pawpaw’s” heart.

For more than thirty years there was Jacki and Joe, a fun loving married couple that enjoyed hosting parties, BBQs, cookouts, and simply sharing a good home cooked (by Jacki, of course) meal with their kids, family, and good friends.

He is preceded in death by his parent Joshua and Mattie Sue Willis.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory with his loving and devoted wife of thirty-three years Jacki Y. Willis, sisters Mary (Anthony) Curry, Johnnie Mae Burrell, step children Michael (Jill) Smith, Kellie Walker, Jeffery (Marsha) Smith, son Donnie Slaughter, grandchildren Myicha, Marquise, Mershawn, Kiara, Jelynn, Javon, Diondre, Glennika, great grandchildren Xayvion, Robert, Nyla, Dylan, also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives, and friends.

Viewing 11:00 AM and service at 12 noon on January 18, 2018 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST 5456 E. Livingston Ave.