Leon Gerald "Bud" Willis

BROWN’S CROSSROADS COMMUNITY…Mr. Leon Gerald “Bud” Willis, a resident of the Brown’s Crossroads Community, near Ozark, died late Sunday evening, July 28, 2024, at his home. He was 89.

 Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Michael Woodard officiating. Burial will follow in Ewell Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Carmel Church, c/o Jeff Woodham, 1900 County Road 35, Ozark, Alabama 36360.

 Mr. Willis, son of the late Jeff Zonia Willis and Ethel V. Carraway Willis, was a native and lifelong resident of the Brown’s Crossroads Community. He retired as an aircraft mechanic from Fort Rucker (now Fort Novosel) after over forty years’ employment. In earlier years, he was employed with B.F. Williams Construction Company. Mr. Willis was a champion Dominos player and an avid University of Alabama Football fan. He always enjoyed listening to his son, Ricky, play music. Mr. Willis was a member of Mt. Carmel Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Wright Willis; son, Jerry Leon Willis, an infant daughter, and two brothers, Sam Willis and Harley J. Willis.

 Surviving relatives include his son, Ricky Willis (Denise), Midland City; sister, Anita Gunter, Brown’s Crossroads; brother, Lomax Willis (Jeanette), Brown’s Crossroads; three grandchildren, Cody Willis (Mary Claire), Michelle Willis, and Audrey Tew; great-grandchild, Brooks Willis; sister-in-law, Kate Dossett, Brown’s Crossroads; special friend, Shirley Dukes, Blakely, Georgia; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 Serving as active pallbearers will be Mark Brown, Danny Dossett, Jamie Willis, Danny Willis, Gary Willis, and Ben Willis.