William Harvey Willis

There is not enough space on this page to encapsulate the full and dynamic life William “Big Willie” Willis lived. He was a mountain of a man; not necessarily in stature, but in the way he lived his life. He could regale an audience with theatrical accounts of events from childhood, job sites, or the beer joints of his past. He delighted in making people laugh and would give his last penny to help a friend or family member. Big Willie always had valuable advice or knowledge to share, particularly on the topics of chickens, softball, horses and gardening. He was mechanically inclined and loved to tinker, but could also be known to throw a tool or two in the process.

As a young man, Big Willie lived a carefree life and was proud of his country roots. After he became a father, first to his son William “Little Willie”, then later to his daughters Anna and Kristal, he poured himself into their sports and activities. He coached their teams, actively engaged in their activities, and always encouraged them to be the absolute best they could be. He also has been described as “one of the kids”, often partaking in questionable stunts or games, all of which led to great stories to be told.

While Big Willie was not overly expressive with emotions, he had an exceptionally tender heart and cared deeply for his friends and family, particularly his children. Heartfelt, one-on-one conversations and special notes are just a few of the ways he has left his indelible mark on the hearts of his loved ones. After welcoming grandchildren, he delighted in sharing his love of chickens with them, making them smile, and making sure they had a full bag of snacks to leave his house with.

Big Willie held onto life with all he had as he battled cancer for over a decade, all the while imparting words of wisdom to leave behind, finding immense joy in his children and grandchildren’s successes, and leaving behind an incredible legacy for them to build upon in the future. If there is a McDonald’s in Heaven, he is smiling down on us from the drive through right now, with his co-pilot and best pup, Levi, getting a breakfast biscuit for them both.

William Harvey Willis, age 66, of China Spring, went to be with our Heavenly Father May 24, 2023. Big Willie was born December 1, 1956 in Houston, TX. He was the third child of William Hardy Willis and Anna Loraine Dennis. After attending school in Waco, he went to work in the construction industry in various capacities. He built metal buildings for many years with Gatlin Construction and later became self-employed. In 1977, Big Willie and his first wife Melisa welcomed his son and namesake, William, into the world, and in 1987 he proudly welcomed his daughter, Anna Rene. In 1988, Willie met his precious wife, Cindy, to whom he was married for 31 years. Together they welcomed two beautiful daughters: Baby Jessica in 1991 and Kristal Nicole in 1992.

Our beloved Big Willie is preceded in death by father, William Hardy Willis; loving mother, Anna Dennis; stepfather, Alfred Clark Dennis; daughter, Jessica Willis; and many cherished pets- namely his dog Levi.

Willie is survived by his doting wife, Cindy; children, William M. Willis and wife Selena of Valley Mills, Anna Willis of Blum, and Kristal Willis of China Spring; cherished siblings, Evelyn Gatilin and husband Larry, George Willis, Mary Robinson, Jojo Matheson and husband Kenny, and Peggy Ramburger and husband Matt; grandchildren, Jordan Willis, Lane Willis, Ryann Adams, Hailey Warnock, Paisley Warnock and Collyn Willis; as well as an army of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, to all of whom he would say, “Alright then, be good. Catch ya on the other side!”

The family would like to extend a very special Thank You to Bluebonnet Hospice.

Graveside Service: 2pm Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Place of Service: Patrick Cemetery , 1929 Patrick Crossing; Waco, TX 76708