Earl E

Earl E. Willis, 90, of Russell, KY, formerly of Coal Grove, OH passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, KY. Mr. Willis was born on November 24, 1923 in Coal Grove, OH, a son of the late Jettie Dustin and Flora Palmer Willis. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Eva May Adkins Willis, along with an infant daughter, Janet Sue Willis, a brother, Ralph Willis, and six sisters: Etta Dials, Irene Reffitt, Ernestine Allen, Jo Doughman, and two infant sisters. Mr. Willis was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Willis retired from General Tire Co. and served his country with the Marines in WWII.  He was a survivor of the battle of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Saipan, and Taiwan.   He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and a championship bowler. He loved his pet cockatoo, Mikey.  He was a master mason with Smith Lodge 775 F&AM in Flatwoods, KY, and a member of the Ashland Elks Lodge No. 350. Mr. Willis is survived by three nieces: Sue Doughman Holman of Ironton, OH, Alice Reffitt McClean of South Point, OH, and Judi Willis Fleming of St. Louis, MO; two nephews: Joe Doughman of Ironton, OH and Don Willis of Littleton, NC; a great nephew, Don and Cynthia McClean of Coal Grove, OH; and a very special friend, Carol Jean Mullins of Russell, KY, who watched over and cared for him daily. The final salute and military rites will be performed by Greenbo Detachment of the Marine Corps League. The funeral will be at 1 PM at on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Bailey Family Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Parker officiating.  Burial will follow in Bellefonte Memorial Gardens in Flatwoods, KY. The visitation will be from 11 am until funeral time.  In lieu of flowers donations may be left to Community Hospice Care Center, 2301 Pollard Road, Ashland, KY 41101. Online condolences may be left at baileyfamilyfuneralhome.com.