Gary Lee Willis

He was born June 28, 1935, in Seward, Nebraska. In 1941 he moved with his family to Texas where he attended Tomball High School, graduating in 1953. He attended The University of Texas at Austin and North Texas State University where he met his wife, Nancy.

After serving two years as a cryptographer in the U.S Army, Gary and Nancy returned to Texas where he was employed by Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. In 1978 he moved his family to Nacogdoches and partnered with Joe Max Green. Together they grew Joe Max Green Insurance Agency into one of the largest independently owned insurance agencies in East Texas.

Gary was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, but his greatest loves were God and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Monroe and Wilma Margaret Willis; his brother, Neil Monroe Willis; his son, Gary Tyson Willis; and a brother-in-law, Douglas Looney.

Gary is survived by his bride of 58+ years, Nancy Dillard Willis; his daughter, Amy Lee Stidham; his grandchildren, Jacob Patrick Stidham and Caroline Frost Stidham; his sisters, Pegi Ann Looney and Nancy Jane "Snookie" Van Gilder and her husband Ron; and many nieces and nephews.

Services are set for 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church, located at 201 E. Hospital Street in Nacogdoches, Texas, with the pastor, Dr. Jeff McDonald, officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, located at 5127 North Street in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until service time Friday at the church.

Pallbearers will be Joe Max Green, John Green, Jacob Stidham, Monte Willis, Mitch Willis, Ryan Trace Willis, Wayne Shipp Jr., and Jerry Norvell. Honorary pallbearers are Ron Van Gilder, Wayne Shipp Sr., and Charles Grimland.

Visit www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com to offer memories and condolences.

Gary’s family suggests memorial gifts to the First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Hospital St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961-5251, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches.