James Newton Willis

James Newton Willis age 95 of Alcoa passed away Saturday, December 19, 2015. He lived a very active life up to the day of his stroke. He was a member of Maryville First Baptist Church for many years where he served as a volunteer in many different capacities. Jim was a member of the U.S. Army Signal Corp serving in North Africa and Italy in World War II. He loved gardening and taking care of his lawn and was commonly known as “Mr. Fix Everything”. Jim retired from Martin Marietta after 39 years of service. After retirement and the death of his brothers-in-law, Jim enjoyed looking after the Wade sisters and helping them around their homes. Preceded in death by: Parents, William N. & Victoria Willis; Sister, Ruth Overstreet; Brothers, Jack Willis and George Willis. Survivors include: Wife of 74 years, Sara Wade Willis; Son, James “Jimmy” Newton Willis Jr.; Daughter, Janie Gill; Son-in-law and Daughters-in-law; Three Grandchildren; Two Great-Grandchildren; Brother, Eugene “Tiny” Willis. Funeral service with military honors will be at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Smith East Hall with Rev. Charles Ballard officiating. Interment will follow at Idlewild Cemetery in Athens, TN. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Newton Willis please visit our Sympathy Store.