Rev. Willie James (WJ) Willis

For we know when this earthly tabernacle is dissolved we have a building not made with hands eternal in the heavens, Rev. Willie James (WJ) Willis made his transition from labor to get his reward on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

On September 1, 1948 in Elberton, Georgia Mr. Willie James (W.J.) Willis was born to the late Mr. Charlie (Bro Man) Willis and Mrs. Odell (Williams) Willis. He gained the nicknames Molly and WJ they would follow him the rest of his life.

At an early age in life WJ received Christ as his personal savior and joined the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. While serving at Mt. Calvary he was a very active member serving as pianist for the Sunbeam Choir and guitarist for the MC Male Chorus. WJ was ordained to preach God’s word therefore he received his license as a minister, while at Mt. Calvary he served as an associate Pastor and was served as acting Pastor for a while. His love for God’s word through singing and playing his guitar, led him to become the musician for several churches and groups throughout the vicinity of Elberton, Georgia such as Norman Grove CME, Potters Church, Faith Gospel, Saints of God, Gospel Believers, Junior Saints of God, the Willis Family and Rocky Branch just to name a few. Rev. Willis had a radio show on 1400AM every Sunday morning where he would spread the word of God through the broadcast. Later he joined Rocky Branch Baptist Church where he served as associate Pastor and musician. Rev. Willis served as a messenger of God for over forty years. He worked in the granite industry for many years until his retirement.

Rev. Willie James (WJ) Willis answered the call to come home on July 14, 2024, as he was met by his parents Mr. Charlie Willis and Mrs. Odell W. Jones; his daughter, Millicent (Missy) Hester Crawford; his great granddaughter, Ava Johnson; six siblings, Charlie E. Willis, Imogene W. Holland, James T. Willis, Bennie E. Willis, Katrina W. Hughes, Barry M. Willis, Sr.; four sister-in-laws that he loved and cherished dearly Helen W. Willis, Thernell Willis, Sara M. Willis and Sarah B. Huff; parents-in-law Willie J. Heard and Dossie M. Heard.

Rev. Willis leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Sally Heard Willis; six children, Nelson (Lillie) Burton, Petro (Debbie) Heard, Alfreda (Fredrick) Willis Williams, Lasheeka (Kimo) Heard Thompson all of Elberton, GA, Kristen Burton Odister of Alto, GA, Andre Burton of Lavonia, GA; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren; two sisters, Doris W. Eberhardt of Elberton, GA, Shelby (Wade) Pouncil of Leesburg, GA; four brother-in-laws, James H. Heard, Robert (Gail) Heard, Clarence Heard, Jim T. (Elaine) Heard all of Elberton, GA; two sister-in-laws, Dorothy A. Cade, Mary C.Watkins both of Elberton, GA; a host of nieces, nephews and relatives who will forever miss him.

The family are receiving friends of the community at the Willis residence located at 329 Prince Street, Elberton, Georgia 30635.  

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 12:00 - 5:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Elberton Chapel. 

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 1:00pm, located at Rocky Branch Baptist Church - Carlton, Oglethorpe, Georgia. 

Interment service will follow the funeral service at Potters Church Cemetery - Elberton, Georgia. 

We ask that you keep the Willis family in your thoughts and prayers.

You may send condolences, sign the online register, send flowers, or light a memory candle in his honor as a source of comfort to the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Mack's Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Elberton Chapel.

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