Jack Willis

If you are about to rush through your lunch, slow down. Take a moment and consider Jack Elmer Willis, 86, formerly of Bald Knob, Arkansas who began eternal life on Tuesday, May 13, 2014. Jack often would admonish us to slow down at the table. He valued simple, tasty, meals shared with family and friends above almost anything else. Almost… Jack once ran roughshod over defenses on the football field. His studio portrait wearing his purple Arkansas Teachers College (now UCA) Bears uniform still sits on a mantel. But in the picture the look on his face is not one of a fierce gridiron warrior, instead Jack's countenance is full of light. Later many of us experienced Jack's light. With only his look he would embrace you with love, and often Jack's look was followed by a loving embrace. He loved God. With conviction he loved others as himself. He prayed powerful, Spirit filled prayers. For most of his life he served in the priesthood of the Community of Christ Church as an Elder and then the office of Evangelist trying to bring the redeeming influence of the Holy Spirit into the lives of all he would meet. Jack was born on November 8, 1927 in Independence, Missouri. Jack was only two when he moved with his mother to Arkansas. He graduated from Bald Knob High School. While he enjoyed great success playing college football at four different schools, he had to share time working on his college degree with the U.S. Army. Jack was drafted in 1946, just after the end of World War II, and was sent to Japan, then later he the served again in the Army Reserves. While finishing up his degree Jack coached football at Arkansas Teachers College. He got to spend more time on the sidelines coaching at Bald Knob High School, then Osceola High School where he was also the junior high school principal. Then on to Memphis in 1960 to coach Trezevant High School Football. Jack received his Masters Degree in Guidance and Administration. He used his graduate degree and experience to become the Supervisor of the Memphis Vo Tech School for several years. And finally, as his last full-time job, he was appointed Assistant to the Superintendent to the North Area of the Memphis School District. Jack's career and service allowed him to retire at a very spry 55-years-old. Jack still had plenty left for other passions. Jack loved boating and camping. Church camp was a priority for his family every summer. So it was no surprise when in retirement Jack happily engaged in 25 years of work for Camp Quality, an organization dedicated to giving kids with cancer as much joy as possible during a week long camping adventure. For all his work for his hometown of Bald Knob, Arkansas Jack was named Citizen of the Year in 2002. Could not end without mentioning one of Jack's greatest passions, his family. Betty, his wonderful wife of 62 years. Their children: Jackie, Marty, Patti, Jim, and Laura are some of the finest people you could ever meet and a true legacy to their father. Jack is survived by Betty and all his kids except for Patti. No doubt Jack and Patti have already renewed quality time together. Jack also has a bunch of remarkable grandchildren: Lindsey, Sarah, David, Adam, Peter, Gabby, Sam, Elizabeth, Hayden and Hannah. There's also many in-laws, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. To honor Jacks life on earth Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 17th at the Community of Christ Church. Visitation will be prior to services at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Jack Willis

November 8, 1927 - May 13, 2014