Arthur “Art” Neil Willis, Sr.

Arthur “Art” Neil Willis Sr., 74, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, October 12, 2019. 

Art is survived by his wife Kathy P. (Nickerson) Willis of 52 years.  Children: Elizabeth Willis & Nancy Leininger, Allyson & EJ Irizarry, Arthur Willis Jr. & Beth Miskinis, Timothy & Heather Willis and Adam Willis & Courtney Morro.  Sisters:  Lee M. Caulfield of North Chelmsford, MA and Edie G. Golden of West Carrollton, OH.  Brothers:  John J. Willis, Sr. of Gainesville, FL and Stephen A. Willis of Worcester, MA. Grandchildren: Andrew DiCesare, Sabri Irizarry, Taylor Irizarry, Aslan Irizarry, Ethan Irizarry, TJ Willis, Courtney Willis and Autumn Willis. He was the son of the late George A. Willis and Sally L. Willis; father of the late Susan M. Willis; brother of the late George W. Willis, Sr. of Brockton, MA and Richard S. Willis of Martin, KY. 

Art was born in Boston, Massachusetts where he spent the first 66 years of his life. He received the Estwing Gold Hammer Award for 50 years of service in the hardware industry. His colleagues remember him as “Art, The Donut Man.” He was an expert on church government and finances, and used that knowledge to serve the Body of Christ as an Elder, Administrator and Associate Pastor. He loved to study the Bible, history, world events and prophecy. He was always ready with a story, a corny joke or funny T-shirt to make you laugh. He enjoyed every moment of his retirement in Columbia, South Carolina, spending time with family, new friends, reading, writing, sleeping in and cheering for the Patriots. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a faithful follower of Jesus and leaves a legacy of honor and integrity. He had a deep desire for people to know the love of God and the wisdom found in His Word. 

Art’s “Celebration of Life” service will be at the Kornegay & Moseley Funeral Home, 4645 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday, October 19. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and the service will begin at 10:00 AM. Art will be laid to rest next to his daughter Susie at the New Highland Cemetery in Ipswich, Massachusetts at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army. 

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