William Willis

William Billy Nelson Willis, 66, of Ft. Thomas, AZ, passed away November 13, 2014 in Safford. Billy was born February 16, 1948 in Safford to Preston & Alice Willis. After he graduated from Ft. Thomas High school, he attended Journeyman Electrical School. Bill loved the outdoors. He was an avid Hunter and Trapper. He also loved to fish. He was involved with many wildlife habitat conservation projects. Bill was a superior craftsman. He was skilled at creating antler furniture and furnishings, as well as wood projects. Bill was involved with many civic activities and clubs, such as the IBEW and the NRA. He was a proud member of the South East Arizona Sportsmans club. One of the awards he was proud of was being established as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the South East Arizona Sportsmans Club. Bill accomplished some impressive things in his hunting career. One accomplishment he was most proud of was when he took the World Record Desert Bighorn Sheep with a Muzzleloader. He was even flown to San Antonio, Texas to receive a special award for that. He has taken both Rocky Mountain Bighorn and Desert Bighorn Sheep, which is a rare accomplishment. He loved spending time with his friends and family in the outdoors. Bill married his wife, Anita in December of 1982. Bill is survived by his wife, Anita. His daughter Krissee (Cody) Maennche, of Springville, AZ, step-daughter Jaime Gust of Ft. Thomas, AZ, Step-son Tanner Gust of Idaho, and son at heart Richie (Melanie) Gann, of Ft. Thomas, AZ, Siblings Jewel Morrison of Gilbert, AZ, Ida May Hastings, New River, AZ, Maxine Whidden, Yucca, CA, Tommy Whidden, Ft. Thomas, AZ, and Jimmy Campbell of Phoenix. Seven Grandchildren also survive Billy. He was preceded in Death by His Parents, Preston and Alice Willis and brother Johnny Willis. A memorial service will be held for Bill on Saturday, November 22nd at 2:00 p.m. at the old Ft.