Howard Morton Willis

Howard Morton Willis, formerly of Ruston, passed away July 25 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was 77 years old.

Howard was born Dec. 26, 1941, in Clay, LA, to Prentiss Newton and Elna Kavanaugh Willis. He was the youngest of four children.

In 1959, Howard graduated from Ruston High School and from Louisiana Tech University in 1963. He enjoyed a long career with T.L. James and Company before joining his lifelong friend, John Tom James at J.T. James Corporation. In 1988, he moved to Winston-Salem where he continued his career with Vulcan Materials. He retired in 2004.

Howard loved people. He treasured the many friendships he kept from his years in Ruston and the close friendships he developed after moving to North Carolina. Some of his best memories were from golfing at the Ruston Country Club, hunting and fishing with his sons, and spending time enjoying the mountains of the Carolinas.

He is predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Elna Jean “Sissy” (Pete) Pennington and Martha “Wee” (Billy) Till; his brother, Prentiss “Sonny” Willis, Jr.; and his son, Jason Kavanaugh Willis.

Howard is survived by his son, Shubert (Pam)Willis;hisgrandchildren, Michael (Julie), Marc (Kelsey), Savannah, Dash, Catherine, and Annabeth; his aunt, Linda Kavanaugh Rolf; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A private family graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick’s Funeral Home of Ruston.