Deacon Frank Willis was born January 22. 1947, in Tuskegee, AL. He finished his course on December 18, 2019. He was born to Sam Willis and Ida Bryant. Frank went to elementary and middle school in Tuskegee and is a graduate of Tuskegee Institute High School Class of 1965. Upon graduating he enlisted into the US Navy. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Tuskegee University in 1974 and his Master's in Education in 1976. While at Tuskegee University he pledge as a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
After his schooling Frank was ready to take his career to the next level as a teacher in the Montgomery County School System. for more than 25 years. He was a part of the International Reading Association and National Education Association. Franks love for children was transparent. During his his as an educator he was blessed with two children, Kimberly and Shawn.
Besides spending time with his family, Frank loved to travel and visit friend. He had a love for automobiles and was known as a smooth dresser and could captivate a room with his smile. He enjoyed sporting events, especially the challenges between Tuskegee and Alabama State University. When traveling with his family he referred to himself as the "Three Amigos," which was all about himself and his kids. Frank was an entrepreneur partnering with car dealerships, food vendors, and daycare owners.
Deacon Frank Willis was an active member of Gateway Ministries, Millbrook, AL, where he was an ordained deacon and a member of the Pastor's Executive Council. Deacon Willis served as his pastor's confidant and a primary supporter in assisting the ministry in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ globally. He loved being involved with the youth. His generosity and passion for life touched many lives. For those that knew him, he will e remembered for his sense of humor, opinionated answers on politics, race, religion, men, and adult individual and collective responsibility to family. His friend, Bishop Emmett Johnson Jr. eulogy thought to the family: "Adjust your Aim and Go Higher."
Frank was preceded in death by his father, Sam Willis; mother, Ida Bryant; siblings: Doris Pruitt, Helen Wilson, Gertha Iverson, Josie L. Lewis, Johnny Ships, Lonnie Bryant, Roy Willis, Charles Willis and Robert Butler. Living to cherish his memory are: daughter, Kimberly Chester Cunningham, Tuskegee, AL; son, Shawn LaFertra Johnson, Wichita, Ks; his brother, Fred Butler, Tuskegee, AL; his sister, Darnella Grimes, Atlanta, Ga; granddaughters Nadia, Deshia, Jordin, Milani, and one great granddaughter; a special friend, Patricia Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.