Colonel G. Willis Sr.

MONROEVILLE — Colonel G. Willis Sr., 82, of Monroeville, passed away Saturday evening, Feb. 4, 2017, at his residence following a lengthy illness.He was born March 2, 1934, in Graydon, W.Va., to Jake and Irene (Clendennion) Willis. Colonel was raised in Edmond, W.Va., and moved to this area about 60 years ago. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Colonel was employed for 35 years at the C.S.X. Railroad, Willard, retiring in 1994. His hobbies included coon hunting, coon dog water racing, boating, fishing, singing and playing his guitar.He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sarah Ermalea (Crist) Willis; three children, Denise Norman, Colonel G. Willis Jr., Tonya L. (Alan) Wilhelm, all of Monroeville; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister, Rose Amick of Victor, W.Va.; three sisters-in-law, Carol Willis of Amherst, Ohio, Audrey Sevy of Powatan, Va., and Dinah Jane Willis of Bumpass, Va.; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.He was preceded in death by his father, Jake Edward Willis; mother, Irene Willis Meadows; one grandson, Zachary Norman; three brothers, Jake E. "Dan" Willis, Harold E. Willis and Rondle L. Willis; one sister, Mary W. Whitney; two brothers-in-law, Arless Amick and Gilman Whitney; one sister-in-law, Anna Willis.Friends may call from 2-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at Pfeil Funeral Home, Monroeville Chapel, 109 Monroe St., Monroeville. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at the funeral home. Pastor Donald L. Gallion of Calvary Baptist Church, Willard, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Monroeville.Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 74924, Cleveland, OH 44194-1007; or the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, 10415 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106.Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.