Manchester resident and Viola native Andrew Willis, 79, was born April 16, 1940 and died June 20 at Manchester Health Care Center following an extended illness.

A retired nursery worker with Southeastern Nursery, a United States Army veteran, and a member of the Word of Life Ministries, he was the son of the late Farmer Jack and Ruth Esther McDowell Willis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son Gary Willis, brother David Willis, and two infant sisters.

He was married July 24, 2001 to Sherry Lee Longenecker Willis of McMinnville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Rickey and Mary Willis of McMinnville, five grandchildren, Rickey Willis Jr., Daniel Wright, and Angel Wright, all of McMinnville, Latricia Davis and husband Jason of Smartt Station, and Jonathan Willis of Knoxville, 10 great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters, and 12 step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at High’s Chapel with David Lance officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery with military honors administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and from 9 a.m. until the time of service Sunday at High’s. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) June 21, 2019