John C Willis

John C Willis, age 71, of Troy died Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital in Troy. John was born March 16, 1943 in Gainesville, GA the son of Albert Eugene and Ruth Arve Willis. He was a member of the last class to graduate at Troy High School, class of 1961. He was a 1966 graduate of Clemson University majoring in textiles. He was the operations manager at Milliken of Spartanburg, SC until 1979; he then became an entrepreneur. John was a very active member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was a member of the First Bank Board of Directors for 30 plus years. He also served on various other community boards. John was an Eagle Scout and very active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was an avid hunter and loved being in the outdoors. He loved gardening, snow skiing and fly fishing. He received a citation for a smallmouth bass he caught while fly fishing. John loved his fellowship of friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 50 ½ years: Mary Aileen S. Willis of the home; three children; one brother and one sister; and nine grandchildren whom he loved dearly. The family will receive friends Friday, January 9, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Pugh-Troy Funeral Home, 211 North Main Street, Troy, NC. A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 239 N. Russell Street, Troy with the Reverend Dr. Bryan Faggart and Dr. Stan Smith officiating. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 239 N. Russell Street, Troy, NC 27371 or to the Central NC Council, Boy Scouts of America, PO Box 250, Albemarle, NC 28002. On-line condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com