James Edwin Willis

James Edwin Willis, 75, of 60 Pelzer Street, Woodfin, died Friday, December 12, 2003, at his home. A native of Buncombe County, he was a son of the late John A. and Golda Parker Willis and was also preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Willis, who died in 1973; a sister, Linda Gosnell, and three brothers, Jack, Robert and Richard Willis. He was retired from Western Carolina Optical Company where he was employed as an optician. Mr. Willis was loved by his family and many friends and is survived by his wife, Lessie Willis; two daughters, Beverly Dula and her husband Ron of Asheville and Diane Willis and Steve Calloway of Arden; a step-son, Ted Price and his wife Alma of Asheville; two sisters, Jolena Moore and her husband Ray of Travelers Rest, SC and Betty Jean Laws of Brevard; a brother, David Willis and his wife Becky of Marshall; two grandchildren, Russell and Scott Dula; three step-grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Revs. Leonard Cole and Roger Boone officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. His family will greet friends from 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service and at other times will be at the residence.