Mr. Hazel Herbert Willis

Hazel Herbert Willis, 92, husband of the late Eulalie Angela Constantine passed on Monday, December 9, 2013 at the Tuomey Healthcare System in Sumter. Born in Sumter, SC, he was the son the late Johnnie Willis, Sr. and Vermell Singleton Willis. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1939 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Morris College, Class of 1943. After graduation, he served his country honorably in the United States Army Air Corps and was selected for training as a Tuskegee Airman. After the end of his military tour of duty, he was employed for over 35 years with the District of Columbia Department of Corrections and retired in the position of Major. Mr. Willis was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities including; the Trustee Board, Administrative Council, Finance Committee, Men’s Choir and as President of the United Methodist Men. He served his community as a member of the Good Fellows Organization; Birnie Elks Lodge # 1195, Morris College Alumni Association, Chamber of Commerce, Elite Club and the NAACP. Mr. Hazel was one of the first volunteered participants of the Assisted Rides Program. In 2011, he was awarded for being the Most Active Driver and Rider of the Santee Lynches Regional Council of Government’s Assisted Ride Program. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers; Johnnie Willis, Jr. and Joseph Singleton and one sister Corine Holland. Surviving are three children; Herbert Anthony Willis of the home, John Linden (Alzira) Willis of Silver Spring, MD and Noel Paul (Lorie) Patel of Richmond, VA; two grandchildren, Christopher Hazel and Brittany Ingrid Patel and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 14, 2013 at the Mt Zion United Methodist Church, 130 Loring Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29151, with Rev. Doris Bright officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Memorial Park. The public may view Friday from 2:00-8:00 pm and the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 South Main St., Sumter. Mr. Willis will be placed in the church at 1:00 pm until the hour of service. The family will also receive friends at the Willis home on 70 Hawks Cove, Sumter, SC 29150 Please leave a condolence for the family on their memorial website found at: palmermemorialchapel.com

Mr. Hazel Herbert Willis

July 14, 1921 - December 9, 2013