NACAS Mourns the Loss Gary Willis

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Gary Willis, 64, of Waco, passed away Christmas morning Dec. 25, 2010, in the comfort of his own home with his family by his side. Gary, a long-time member of NACAS South, was born Aug. 27, 1946, to Henrietta and Rudy Willis of Waco. He graduated from Richfield High School in 1964, and went on to be one of the original graduates from MCC in 1967.

He began his career in the US Navy in 1968. His career took him to Vietnam, the Gulf, and Italy amongst many other places. He did three tours in Scotland, during which he met his darling wife, Lesley. They married in June of 1990. He retired as a Master Chief in Pensacola, Fla., after 30 years of military service. He also retired with a Bachelors degree from Troy State University and with two sons in the Navy to replace him. Shortly afterward he returned to his hometown of Waco to help care for his parents.

Gary then began his second career at McLennan Community College as the "Mac Man." He remained at MCC until he retired after the discovery of his brain cancer. He spent his brief retirement surrounded by his family who were the center of his life. He will be dearly missed, but always remembered for the wonderful smile he gave so willingly, even during his most difficult days.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include wife, Lesley Willis; sons, Stephen Willis and wife, Patricia, of Chesapeake, Va., and Derek Willis and wife, Sherri, of Gulfport, Miss.; daughters, Keima Zapata and husband, Jose, of Waco, and Brittany Willis of Lufkin; eight grandchildren; and brothers, David Willis of Tempe, Ariz., and Randy Willis and wife, Irene, of North Richland Hills. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the nurses of Providence Hospice, Dr. Jason PaltJon, and our family at MCC. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider contributions to the MCC Foundation. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Lake Shore Funeral Home Guest Book August 27, 1946 - December 25, 2010 or sign the Guest Book of the Waco Tribune.