Michael Willis

He attended Holiday and Boise-Elliott elementary school then went on to John Adams High School.

Right out of High School he became employed with one of the biggest construction companies in Portland, Oregon. He was affiliated with and worked doing various janitorial and maintenance jobs for many local businesses, agencies, and resources in the community. Michael not only made contributions, but also referred many friends and family to receive help from those same organizations. Michael was also an entrepreneur and the co-owner of the Classic Touch Detail Shop. With the best products, structured skilled workers and the ending result being a satisfied customer is what he took pride in. That was the key to successful connections. That is how he built his clientele. The shinier the car the bigger the tip.

Michael had many passions and cooking was one of them. He was a great cook. He had a secret recipe that only a few people knew about. One of his favorite foods was fried fish. He would have you licking your fingers when he made barbecue ribs. All his food would not stay long in your hands, it would end up melting in your mouth.

He was a renowned percussionist who played for many bands in Portland, Oregon. There were many times he would go to a musical function and be asked to join in on the set. Because of his skills he was blessed to have played with musical legends in his time. It was an honor he looked up to and vice versa. He was also invited to celebrations where he played, and people have stated “He never missed a beat, and not only was not just talented and skilled but also truly gifted.

Michael had a love for collecting various antique cars, all models, sizes, and colors. His heart lit up with a smile when he would wash cars, then take them for a stroll around the block.

He had a black on black four door Fleet-Wood Eldorado, and it was clean. It was like the sun rose up just to shine on him from bumper to bumper. Michael would be driving and chilling at the same time, for everyone to see it.

Later years when he relocated back home to Portland, he was able to take advantage of some of the same organizations. He was well known at the Urban League in Northeast Portland, therefore he was able to help a lot of people. "Sharing is caring" was one of his favorite mottos. If you were his friend, he would want to help. We will never forget the love we shared with him; for he was an important part of all our lives.

Michael is preceded in death by his siblings: James Eward Simms, Linda Evans, Stanley Willis, Sid Edward Willis; grandparents: Charles Bradwell Sr., Melinda Bradwell, Lucy Mae Willis, and William Willis Sr.; aunts: Shirley Barber, Rutha Mae Bryant, Roberta Glass, and Doll Willis; uncles: Charles Bradwell, Major Willis, George Willis, William Willis, Jack Willis, and James Willis

He is survived by his children: Michael Willis Jr., Mynika Mae Louise, and Raphael Mensah; grandchildren: Elhaje Dore Mensah, Akeem Mensah, and Samiyah Willis; stepmother: Cemmie Willis; siblings: Rosa Simms, and Estena Elaine Willis, Nural Willis Jr., Kimberly Campbell, Carla Murphy, and Rosalynn McFadden; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.