Richard Jefferson "Dick" Willis III, 93, passed away Friday, November 23, 2018 at his home. Born October 9, 1925 in LaGrange, GA he was the son of the late Richard J Willis, Jr and Emma Bradfield Willis. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his first wife, Donis Clifton Willis, a sister, Ina Willis Lambeth, and step daughter, Sherry Callura. Surviving are his loving wife, Faye Long Willis; sister, Emily Baldwin; son, Jeff Willis (Susan), daughter, Anne Inman (Rudy), also Karen Long Sinclair (Stan), Patti Long Craft (Larry), Cindy Long Jackson (Gene); grandchildren, Jackie Willis Roberts (Judson), Melissa Willis Bennett (Gabriel), Christy Bascue (Shannon), Austin Ferrell, Susan Nobles, Juliet Calhoun Jacob, Austin Craft, Lauren Dyar, Chad Jackson, Courtney Vaughn, Jared and Rachel Callura; and 10 great-grandchildren. At 18, he served his country in the Army Air Corps 99th Bomb Group during WWII where he was shot down in a B-17 over Germany and became MIA. The skills learned as a country boy helped him navigate through Poland, Russia, and back to his base in Italy. After returning from the war, the GI Bill made it possible for him to attend NC State and then ultimately graduate from Auburn University. He held jobs in textiles from sweeper to company owner including founding local businesses Allstates Textile Machinery, TPI, and Buy Low Carpet. A firm believer in community involvement he was a Boy Scout leader and an Anderson city councilman for 2 terms. As an active member of Trinity Methodist Church, he served in many capacities for almost 60 years. After retirement in the late 1980s he devoted much of his time supporting the veterans at Richard Campbell Nursing Home. This service led him to parachute from an airplane (for the second time) at almost 90 years old to remind everyone their freedom would not be possible without the sacrifices made by our veterans. Having been blessed with an extraordinary life he will be remembered as a kind, generous, and humble man. His love for family, friends, and animals was evident in everything he was involved in. Always humorous and having a positive attitude he challenged himself each day with the goal of helping someone; if only bringing a smile to their face. He enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors especially playing golf, flying his airplane, or boating on the lake. His was a life well lived as an example to others. The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:45 pm Sunday, November 25, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 3:00pm with Rev. Mary Teasley officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 1809 N. Main Street, Anderson, SC 29621 or Devine Hospice, 115 Whitehall Road, Anderson, SC 29625. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. Events Funeral Service Sunday, November 25, 2018 3:00PM Trinity United Methodist Church 1809 N. Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: 8642242531 Final Resting Place Forest Lawn Memorial Park 2609 U. S. Highway 29 North Anderson , SC 29621