Ira Willis

“GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN” The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalms :23   THE BLESSING : Ira Don Willis was born on the God given day of October 26, 1935 to Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willis.  He was raised in Sawyerville, Alabama.  Ira Don Willis was educated within the Brighton School System.     THE PROVIDER: Ira Don Willis was employed with The Birmingham Board of Recreation for 35 years. He was a dedicated employee where he met people from all walks of life.  Those whom worked with him witnessed first-hand his servant spirit and his grand sense of humor. He never complained about having to work long hours in sometimes undesirable weather conditions, for he knew his calling was to take care of his family and so he did.     THE LOVE: This strong Tower in stature (Ira) was swept off his feet as he was introduced to a beautiful young lady named Ernestine (Living in Birmingham) by her cousin, who happened to be named Ira, as well. Ira Don Willis fell in love and in holy matrimony wedded Ernestine Oliver on September 16, 1962. From what God put together, He blessed Mr. & Mrs. Willis with four beautiful children:  Stanley Earl, Jennifer Denise, Ronald & Kim Lanette Willis.     THE LEGACY : So as I lived, so will my Legacy!  To carry on what God has anointed, my lovely wife of 54 years, Betty.  My God sent sons and daughters and my beautiful children through marriage: Stanley (Cookie), Niecy (Martin), Ronald (Lisa) & Kim (Shai).  My dear and awesome grand children:  Damon, Tasha, Ron Jr. Nisha, Steven, Teona, Dasia, Niah and Tripp.  My joy continued with the addition of my great grandchildren DaDa and King.   Many blessings to my sister in laws, Gladys Willis, Flora Willis, and my brothers; Wilbert (Louvina) Derrick, Rickey (Debra) Willis, Shawn (Stephanie) Willis and Charles Willis.    I cherished all of my nieces and nephews, great nieces & nephews, family and friends.  I shall go bask in God’s Glory with my brothers: John Willis and Horace Willis, my sister Barbara Smith, my mother and father Susie and Richard Willis and all of those family members that have gone on before me.  Oh what a time, that will be!