Philip Burns Willis

Philip Burns Willis

Apr 20, 1931- Jan 31, 2018

Philip Burns “Phil” Willis of Manassas, VA, passed away peacefully at home on Jan 31, 2018, at the age of 86. Phil was born April 20, 1931, in Clintwood, VA to the late Clayton B. Willis and Estelle Nora Willis (nee Johnson).

He is preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Phyllis T. and her husband George T. Gardner of Johnson City, TN; brother John J. Willis and his wife Marylou of Snow Creek, NC; brother Henry Willis of Toecane, NC; and sister-in-law Martha Rose Willis of Johnson City, TN.

Phil grew up in Johnson City, TN, and graduated from Science Hill High School and East Tennessee State University with a degree in accounting. He moved to the Washington, D.C., area in the late 1950’s and began a career with the National Security Agency that continued until his retirement in 1987. During that time he resided in Landover Hills and College Park, MD, and was an active volunteer with the Landover Hills Boys Club and the Boy Scouts of America. He always loved a good game of baseball and was a regular fan of the Washington Senators. After retiring he moved back to Johnson City where he maintained his love of sport by walking, golfing, and playing tennis. He has been an active member of both the LDS and Baptist churches during his life and was strong in his faith.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Son Ae “Candy” Willis of Manassas, VA: brother Clayton B. Willis Jr. of Johnson City, TN: son Philip P. Willis and wife Reney (Davis) of Saint Leonard, MD; son David B. Willis and wife Cheryl Kakalia of Castro Valley, CA; daughter Teresa M. Brown (Merritt) and husband Jeff of Manassas, VA; grandchildren John Willis, Jessica Willis, Brianna Beighle, Sarah Whittington and Noah Whittington as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held February 24th at Monte Vista Cemetery at 2pm. Memorial donations in memory of Phil may be made to American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202 or www.diabetes.org.

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