After high school, Frosty enlisted in the U. S. Navy towards the end of WWII and was assigned to NAS Jacksonville. As one of the few who already knew how to type, he became a Yeoman and was placed in a position to help stand up an entirely new unit that was being formed: the Blue Angels. At the end of his enlistment, he entered the Naval Reserve, but was activated another two years for the Korean War. He completed twelve total years of active and reserve duty. He maintained strong ties with NAS Jax and when he later became an independent printing broker after working for a few local printing companies, he had all of the sales flyers, catalogs and other print materials made for the Navy Exchange. He attended the University of Miami and later transferred to Jacksonville University. He received many awards in printing and was named salesman of the year numerous times. He was vice president of the Southside Businessman’s Club, VP of the Lion’s Club, an Inner City-Wide Young Life Counselor, Board Member for Teen Challenge Jacksonville, Member of Full-Gospel Businessman’s Club and Jacksonville Advertising Club. He spoke several times at Mayor Tanzler’s prayer breakfasts and served as a phone prayer counselor for Steve Gyland ministry (which was one of his fondest memories). He was active in several Assembly of God congregations.
Favorite pastimes and hobbies included oil painting, reading, fishing, seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, RV camping and enjoying his lake property.
He was pre-deceased by his father, Arnie Leroy Willis, and mother, Norma E. Lane Willis. He was the last surviving of nine siblings, including sisters Nadine Murray, Helen Lewis, Ruby Ring, Joyce Allison and infants Rochelle and Sandra, plus brothers Gene and Olin. He is survived by his wife, Jean Anne Davies Willis, daughter Sherry Reese Colton (Ed) and son Forest Arnie Willis Jr. (Lisa); grandchildren Chris Bennett, Sarah Mock, Rachel Barrett, Katy Jean Tagnipez and Priscilla Colton; and six great-grandchildren Matthew, Lauren, Mackenzie, Lea, Maleah and Ezekiel.
The funeral will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, on Wednesday, April 14. Viewing at 10:30, service at 11:30 at the Oaklawn Chapel, followed by graveside and then reception for family and invited guests at the family home in Riverside.
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