Charles Ross Willis Jr.

Charles Ross Willis, Jr., 59, of Cambridge passed away Sat. (Sept. 15, 2007) at Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center. He was born Nov. 18, 1947 in Cambridge, son of Geraldine Wilson Willis and the late Charles R. Willis Sr. Mr. Willis was a devoted family man who always put family above all other. He enjoyed spending time and traveling with them around the country. He was a 1965 graduate of Cambridge High School, where he earned varsity letters in football. He continued to follow Cambridge football after graduation and especially enjoyed attending Cambridge basketball games. He retired in 2004 after 30 years of service with the City of Cambridge, where he served more than 20 years as water distribution foreman. While with the city, he received many commendations and citations including the City Service Medal. He was also known in Cambridge for his leadership and work with local adult and youth bowling serving more than 25 years as the local secretary-treasurer for Guernsey County Bowling Association. He was a life member of the bowling association and served as secretary-treasurer of the Thursday night men's league at the time of death. He received his 30th year participant plaque at the USBC National Championships in Reno, Nev., in April. Mr. Willis also served as secretary-treasurer for United Commercial Travelers 588 of Cambridge and received honors as a past grand secretary and grand chaplain for the Ohio domain of the UCT. He was currently serving as president of the International Secretary-Treasurers Association and was to be honored this coming summer at the Supreme UCT Convention in Denver, Colo. He was a member of Antrim United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles R. Willis Sr., on July 28, 1994; his mother and father-in-law, Russell I. and Kathleen Larrick; two brothers-in-law, Willard Larrick and James Larrick; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He leaves his wife, Bonnie Kay (Larrick) Willis of Cambridge, whom he married Aug. 2, 1969; two children of whom he was extremely proud, Bob Willis of Cambridge, a middle school teacher with Cambridge City Schools, and Beth Willis of Lore City, a nurse at Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center; his loving mother, Geraldine Wilson Willis of Cambridge; two brothers-in-law, Kenny (Robin) Larrick of Albany and Jerry (Elizabeth) Larrick of Old Washington; three sisters-in-law, Barbara Larrick of Pleasant City, Janice Larrick of Kipling and Rosemary (Mark) Carsey and their son, Benjamin, also of Albany; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close frineds. Friends may call on Tueaday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge. A UCT service will be at 6:30 p.m. Services will be on Wednesday 11 a.m. with Pastor Roger Smith officaiting. Burial will be in Antrim Community Cemetery, Antrim. Memorial contributions may be made to Antrim United Methodist Church Building Fund, 68374 Fairground Rd., Salesville, Ohio 43778