Tommie Lee Willis was born October 29, 1936, in Albany, Georgia. He was the youngest of five children born to E. C. Willis and Lillie Mae Goldsmith
Willis.

He attended the public schools of Dougherty County where he began developing valuable technical skills. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States
Navy and was honorably discharged after serving four years of active duty.

Upon returning to Albany, he completed the requirements to earn his GED. He continued his education at Albany Technical College and was awarded a dual diploma in brick masonry and cosmetology.

Tommie was joined in holy matrimony to Dessie Bell Wilbon who precededhim in death. Their union was blessed with four wonderful children who
stole his heart. While growing as a husband and father, Tommie's work career blossomed. For 30 years, he was a dedicated employee of Georgia
Pacific Corporation who labored untiringly until his retirement.

Never satisfied with idleness, he later re-entered the workforce as a school crossing guard with the Dougherty County School System. During his spiritual journey as an ordained minister, Tommie pastored several Christian Methodist Episcopal churches in the Southwest Georgia area. His life was undergirded by his faith and trust in God.

While Tommie was an extremely committed and hardworking individual, he also had an adventurous, fun-loving side. He enjoyed vacationing on ocean cruises and in the Philippine Islands; delighted in spending time with family and friends; and had a big heart for all things in life. When faced with health challenges, "Buster" as he was affectionately called, spent his latter years at home doing what he loved—reminiscing about the good ole days; talking on the telephone; and watching old western movies, Jeopardy, Family Feud, and Wheel of Fortune on television.

On July 15, 2021, Tommie peacefully departed this earthly life at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital North Campus. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings, Annie Pickle, Dora Evans, and Will Willis.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his children, Vickie (David) Grant, LaVonda (Charles) Mande, and Tommy Willis of Albany, GA, and Lisa (Tony) Burton of Lawrenceville, GA; his grandsons, David Grant, Jr. and Chandler Grant; one sister, Clara Willis; two special supportive nieces, Linda McFarland and Tammy Jackson; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, neighbors, and friends.