Mr. Charles David Willis, 75, of Cannon, passed away Sunday morning, August 21, 2022 at Baptist Health Corbin. He was the son of the late Fayette Charles and Nettie Leen Marion Willis born on February 12, 1947 at Cannon.
David was an employee of the Knox County Hospital for 37 years, where he served as the hospital purchasing agent. While working there, he made friends with many of the residents of Knox County. He was a member of the Sinking Valley Baptist Church and faithfully served his country in the Kentucky Army National Guard for 30 years until his retirement.
He also enjoyed growing an annual vegetable garden, taking family vacations, traveling, tracing genealogy and studying World War II history. The trips could be as simple as a short Sunday drive to Cumberland Falls, the Smokey Mountains or the Tail of the Dragon. He especially enjoyed a weekend at the NASCAR races in Rockingham, NC, Atlanta, GA or Bristol, TN. Some of his favorite vacations included trips to Panama City Beach, Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island, flying to Salt Lake City and a two week driving tour. He also loved taking train rides with his family, especially the Durango Silverton ride in Durango, CO.
On March 5, 1966, he united in marriage with Georgia Laverne Fuson and to this union two children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Ronald, Willard and Randall Willis and brothers-in-law, Ron Madden and Donald Shelton.
Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Lavern Willis of Cannon; a daughter, Rebecca Lynn Willis of Frankfort; a son, David Allen Willis and wife, Melissa, of Heidrick; siblings, Anna Katherine Madden of Gray Hawk, Fayetta Willis Johnson and husband, Terry, and Duane Willis and wife, Roszetta, all of Cannon; a sister-in-law, Bernice Willis of Cannon; five treasured grandchildren, Jennifer Smith, Lindsey Behee and husband, Michael, Laura Ramsey and husband, Cameron, Tristan Lowe and wife, Debbie, and Jordan David Willis; three great grandchildren, Emmalyn, Nora and Ezra Dawn Behee; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Friday, August 26 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Dewayne Smith and Ryan Stamper officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Brooks-Willis Cemetery with military funeral honors.
Casket bearers will be family and friends.
Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Friday prior to the funeral hour.
Expressions of sympathy may go to the National Kidney Foundation at https://www.kidney.org/
in his memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of CHARLES DAVID WILLIS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
