Thomas Gray Willis

Thomas Gray Willis of Raleigh passed away quietly in his home at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2013. He was surrounded by family at the end. There will be a visitation in the parlor at Edenton Street United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. A memorial service will follow in the sanctuary at 11:30 a.m.

He was predeceased by his parents David S. Willis and Esther G. Willis. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Betty Ruth Willis; children Betty Reed McDaniel, Susan W. Cates, and William T. Willis; grandchildren Sheri O. Timmons, Susan O. Callahan and Jennifer L. Outlaw; great-grandchildren Elizabeth K. Ross, Addison B. Callahan, Emily R. Callahan, S. Abbott Timmons, Jr., Olive R. Outlaw-Straight and Ivy G. Outlaw-Straight; sister Carolyn W. Cunningham and brother David S. Willis, Jr.

He was born in New Bern, North Carolina on March 14, 1924 and moved to Raleigh when he was eleven years old. He graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School in 1942, where he served as Student Council President. He served his country as a Navy pilot from 1943-1945, when he was honorably discharged as an Ensign. He graduated from North Carolina State College in 1948 with a degree in mechanical engineering, and worked for 33 years as a design engineer at the Westinghouse Meter Plant. He was a member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church and the West Raleigh Exchange Club for many years. He was also a member of UPHA and the Ole Raleigh Boys.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends make a contribution to the charity of their choice.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh.