Submitted by Cheryl Willis—
Eugene Austin Willis passed away peacefully on Oct. 7, 2013. He was born to Lloyd and Margaret Willis in Ravenna, Ohio on February 4, 1926.
Gene came to Pleasanton when he was 17 years old. He enlisted in the Navy and served his entire duty at Camp Shoemaker in Pleasanton, now known as Camp Parks.
He met his loving wife, Dolores (Dee) Silva, while getting gas at her father's hamburger restaurant and gas station. Dee's Mom and Dad owned and operated the 2 business's at the corner of Stanley and Main. They had 7 kids, who all participated in the businesses, so when Gene met Dee, he fell right into an instant family that all loved him. That corner later became Fisher's hamburgers.
Eventually, Gene opened Valley Tire in 1958. It was also located at the corner of Stanley and Main, but on the other side of the street. He owned and operated his business until 1988. He gave many young men in this town jobs.
His daughter, Catherine Willis, preceded him in death. She was born with spina bifida and passed away when she was just 5 weeks old. His Grandson, Tom Self also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores Willis and his 3 sons, Tomm (Cheryl), Mike and Denny Willis. Gene also leaves behind his grandchildren, Joey Willis, Dayna Willis, Scott Self (Jenn) and two great grandchildren, Tristan and Sydney Self.
Gene was greatly loved by his family and friends. His smile and compassion for everyone that he knew will never be forgotten! He loved life and lived it to the fullest. We are having a celebration of life at the Veteran's Hall in Pleasanton (301 Main St.) on Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 1-5. We hope to see everyone there to share in his celebration. RIP, Papa! You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Eugene Austin Willis passed away peacefully on Oct. 7, 2013. He was born to Lloyd and Margaret Willis in Ravenna, Ohio on February 4, 1926.
Gene came to Pleasanton when he was 17 years old. He enlisted in the Navy and served his entire duty at Camp Shoemaker in Pleasanton, now known as Camp Parks.
He met his loving wife, Dolores (Dee) Silva, while getting gas at her father's hamburger restaurant and gas station. Dee's Mom and Dad owned and operated the 2 business's at the corner of Stanley and Main. They had 7 kids, who all participated in the businesses, so when Gene met Dee, he fell right into an instant family that all loved him. That corner later became Fisher's hamburgers.
Eventually, Gene opened Valley Tire in 1958. It was also located at the corner of Stanley and Main, but on the other side of the street. He owned and operated his business until 1988. He gave many young men in this town jobs.
His daughter, Catherine Willis, preceded him in death. She was born with spina bifida and passed away when she was just 5 weeks old. His Grandson, Tom Self also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores Willis and his 3 sons, Tomm (Cheryl), Mike and Denny Willis. Gene also leaves behind his grandchildren, Joey Willis, Dayna Willis, Scott Self (Jenn) and two great grandchildren, Tristan and Sydney Self.
Gene was greatly loved by his family and friends. His smile and compassion for everyone that he knew will never be forgotten! He loved life and lived it to the fullest. We are having a celebration of life at the Veteran's Hall in Pleasanton (301 Main St.) on Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 1-5. We hope to see everyone there to share in his celebration. RIP, Papa! You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
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