Juan Ennis Willis

J.E. “Shorty” Willis, age 79, of Tyler, passed away in the early evening hours of Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. Shorty was born in New London, Texas on November 26, 1932 to Leonard Clyde and Lucille Lorain (Tudor) Willis, they preceded him in death. Mr. Willis joined the United States Army in 1948 and proudly served his country until 1952. After his time in the service, Shorty found a love for working in the oil fields. He spent his entire career as a driller on wells throughout East Texas and beyond.

Mr. Willis is survived by two sons, Steve Willis, and wife Wendy, of Pearland, and Clay Willis of Ardmore, OK; grandchildren, Ashly Willis, Bryce Willis, Tiffany Bunch, Brittany Bunch, and Tyler Cathey; and sisters, Willa D. Smith, and husband C.J, and Marcy Furrh.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Cortez Willis.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Friday, May 25, 2012 at Hewitt Cemetery in Wilson, Oklahoma. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., Thursday evening at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler.