Samuel Richard Willis, 88 of Nashville, passed away at 4:50 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon.  He was born on June 28, 1929 in Nashville, the son of Otto and Sally Mercer Willis.  He married Edna J. Tucker on January 20, 1951 in Ashley.  He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 67 years.  Also left to mourn his passing are 2 daughters; Deborah (Raymond) Stotlar of Carbondale and Lisa (Kevin) Heady of Mt. Vernon.  2 grandchildren; Eli (Abbie) Heady of Clermont, FL and Rya (Ryan) Keller of Nashville.  3 great grandchildren; Ethan, Gavin and Declan Heady.  A sister Dolores Eller.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son; Craig Willis, 5 brothers; Bill, Don, Cecil and Les Willis and Charlie Davis.  A sister; Iola Markham.

Mr. Willis was a graduate of Nashville High School and served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He was a Regional Sales Manager for Moorman’s Feed Company.  He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Nashville and the Nashville Veteran of Foreign Wars.  He previously served on the Nashville city council and was one of the first people to play the Nashville Municipal Golf Course.  Rich loved fishing, hunting, playing golf and spending time in the outdoors. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 19th at Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville with Rev. Scott Sharp officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Nashville with military rites accorded by the Nashville American Legion Post #110.  Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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