Gary Allan Willis

Gary Allan Willis was born on August 30, 1949,in Wichita, Kansas,and went home to be with the Lord on October 15, 2016,after fighting a courageous battle against cancer for 8 years. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Joellen Wilson;his 32-year-old son RobertWoodrow"Woody" Wilson; 8-month-old grandson, Kylar Allen Wilson;Chandy Tucker, fiancéeof Robert Wilson; uncle and aunt,Donald Rayand RubyeDacon;cousins Eric and Donald TDacon, LoriFox and their families;Robertand MichaelVan Horn and their families;nieces Stacy Landry, Kim Willis,andKristiOkray;nephew Jeremy Willis;and numerous extended family members and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, JohnMiddletonWillisandBettyJoDacon Willis;and brothers,JohnRaymondandWilliam Craig Willis.

Gary was a resident of Garland,Texas,for 22 years andamember of First Baptist Church of Garland, where he was baptized several years ago. In his earlier years, Gary enjoyed driving Woody and his friends to and from the skating rink and coaching their football and baseball teams. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed going to games whenever he got the chance.He had a love for camping, antique shopping, 60's rock music and live music, cruising around Lake Texoma with anyone that would go with him, and spending time outside. Gary often took Tazz and Delilah, his beloved rescue dogs,on walks at the nature preserve. He always enjoyed spending time with his family in Sherman and his immediate family in Garland.

Gary was a carpenter by trade and could often be found making improvements on his home --putting up drywall, painting, or hanging pictures for Joellen. His most recent project, creating a nursery for his grandson Kylar, was his most favorite completedproject. Gary had the heart of a servant, as he always enjoyed volunteering his carpentry skills and time at the Friendship House,and served alongsidehis wife everyThursday. There he hung shelves, sorted donated items, and made life-long friends.

Upon Gary's passing, he donated his body to the Willed Body program at UT Southwestern Medical Hospital so that he could help those suffering from similar ailments.He is truly missed, but we know the help and service Gary providedwilllive on for years to come.A memorial service will be held at 6:00 P.M, Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the First Baptist Church of Garland, 801 W. Ave D, Garland, TX 75040, in the Cockrell Chapel. Visitation will be held an hour before the service, at 5:00 P.M., in the parlor.