Gary Willis, 64, of Waco, passed away on Christmas morning in the comfort of his own home with his family by his side. Funeral services will be 3PM Wednesday, December 29th at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Lori Cotton officiating. Full military honors will be observed. A reception will follow the ceremony. Visitation will be 6 to 8PM Tuesday, December 28th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com
Gary was born August 27th, 1946 to Henrietta and Rudy Willis of Waco. He graduated from Richfield High School in 1964 and went on to be one of the original graduates from MCC in 1967. He began his career in the US Navy in 1968. His career took him to Vietnam, the Gulf, and Italy amongst many other places. He did three tours in Scotland, during which he met his darling wife Lesley. They married in June of 1990. He retired as a Master Chief in Pensacola, Florida after 30 years of military service. He also retired with a Bachelors Degree from Troy State University and two sons in the Navy to replace him. Shortly afterward he returned to his hometown of Waco to help care for his parents. He then began his second career at McLennan Community College as the
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
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My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I had gotten to know Gary through our Users Conference for our University systems over the years and he will be greatly missed by all of us. His smile was contagious and I don’t think he ever met a stranger. God Bless you all during this sad time. Becky, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia
My heart is reaching to you Lesley and to all of your children as you find your way through these days of letting go. We will be there and send you all our love and caring prayers
Willis family, and Randy, I am so sorry for your loss. Our community has lost a great servant and Hero. Thank you for sharing Gary with all he has helped along the way.
Lesley –
I am so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. He was always so helpful to everyone at MCC, and he always had a big smile. One of my favorite memories of Gary was when he helped me with a tie-dyed t-shirt at the MCC Anniversary celebration. You are in my prayers.
Diane
Dear Lesley and family,
I just wanted to say yall are in my thoughts and prayers, Mr. Gary made a long, lasting, positive impression on Brandon, thank you. He is a great man. Thanks for sharing Mr. Gary with my family. If yall need anything please call me. Love ya, Donna and Brandon Glatter
Lesley & Family, David, and Randy,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Gary. Growing up at Ross, TX, I was always glad when my cousins from the
Lesley & family, thinking of you all at this sad time. Remembering all the times we have met up over the years and how Gary and yourselves always did so much to make our visit so happy when we visited.
Lesley & Family. I will always remember Gary when it comes to NASCAR racing. He & I would talked about the Race and drivers. Most of all I will treasure his friendship at MCC. He enjoyed talking about his family specially all his grand children at lunch time. He loved his family. May God Bless be with you and your family in the lost of a a husband, father and grandfather and a brother.
Lesley, my friend. My heart is aching for you and your family. Please try to find comfort in knowing that Gary is at peace now and looking over you and your family. God will guide you thru this difficult time. You are in my prayers. The MCC family will never forget our "MAC MAN".
Dear Lesley and family,
It has been a great honor knowing and working with Gary. He had the highest standard of ethics and loyalty. I will miss him and his wonderful smile along with his awesome sense of humor. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lesley, I just learned of Gary’s illness and death. May you receive comfort from the great healer. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Gary and I attended Richfield High together. We were seated alphabertical and he was directly behind me (Williams). As a transplant from the hills of West Virginia, Gary made me feel welcome. He was a great guy.
My prayers are with you. My thanks to him and to his sons for their military service.
Mona
Gary was a very special person who never met an enemy. My condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Lesley & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Gary was a truly wonderful man and I am so blessed to have known him and call him my friend. Please know that we will be thinking of you during this difficult time. We are here for each of you, please let us know if you need anything.
Lesley and Family,
Our cousin Gary will be greatly missed, along with his contagious smile. I was telling my 9 year old, Noah about Gary’s passing and without a blink he said, "Don’t be sad, he got be with Jesus on his birthday, that is so cool!"
May God be with your during this difficult time and after. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Sandra, Jayden & Noah
Dear Leslie and Family, Randy, and David,
We want to express our deepest sympathy to you and all of the family. The memories we each have of Gary will live forever in our minds as we remember his wonderful smile, his genuine, caring spirit, and all that he did for others.
May God be with each of you and comfort you as only He can do.
Sincerely,
Liz, Carey, Christina and Alyssa Polk
I worked with Gary In the U.S, Navy both in Scotland and Puerto Rico, he was always a kind and resourceful person.I was honored to have worked with him, and I am missing him!! God Bless u Gary!!