Obituary of William Franklin Willis

William F. Willis, 84, of Akron, Departed this life September 16, 2017. Born in Blandville, WV on January 28, 1933, he was the youngest son of the late Harry & Lena (Polan) Willis. After graduating from Doddridge County HS in WV, Bill moved to Akron and began his career for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., where he worked for the next 43 1/2 years. In 1953, he served in the US Army during the Korean War at Munsan-NI United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission, 8020 Army Unit. Bill was a 32nd Degree Mason with Wayfarer Lodge No. 789, the Scottish Rite, Valley of Akron. He was a proud member of the VFW Post 3383, AMVETS, and the Goodyear Retirees. He spent many hours coaching pee-wee football for Coventry Play Pops, which both his sons and grandsons participated in. He attended his grandchildren's sports activities, always there to cheer them on. He enjoyed golf outings with his friends from Goodyear. Everyone who knew Bill knew he loved to play cards. He enjoyed calling bingo for the Goodyear Retirees and taking trips with them. For many years, friends and family could always find Bill in the kitchen at VFW dinners. He also enjoyed camping with family in West Virginia and Ohio, but his biggest joy was visiting family and friends & lending a helping hand when needed. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers Alfred Lee, Wayne, & Charles O. Willis and sisters Hope Rader & Leah Waggoner. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Mary Jane (Whitehair) Willis; sons Rod, (Kelly), Randy (Cheryl) Willis; grandchildren Jennifer (Mike) Masiella, Brandon (Jackie) Smith, Melissa (Scott) Willis, David (Angela) Willis, & Ben (Rachel) Willis; great-grandchildren Logan, Sebastian, & Grayson. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, & friends who will miss him. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, 5-8 pm, at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Firestone Park Post 3383 690 W Waterloo Rd, Akron, OH 44314.