Addison Gordon Willis Jr.

1921 - 2011

Addison Gordon Willis Jr. obituary, 1921-2011, Culpeper, VA

FUNERAL HOME

Clore-English Funeral Home

11190 James Monroe Highway

Culpeper, Virginia

Addison Willis Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 9, 2011.

Addison Gordon Willis, Jr. passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at his home in the Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community. He was born October 12, 1921 to Addison Gordon Willis and Lucy Herndon Willis Willis in Culpeper County, Va.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Janet Hurt Willis, and his sisters, Mary Lucy Willis Bareford and Gene Cochran Willis.

He is survived by his children, Mary Bolling Gassman and her husband, Kenneth Gassman, Jr. of Richmond, Va., Addison Gordon Willis, III and his wife, Barbara Creighton Willis of Richmond, Va., Werter Hurt Willis and his wife, Janice Inskeep Willis of Charleston, S.C., and Janet Lucille Young and her husband, Brian Young of Blacksburg, Va., his grandchildren; Mary Hart Gassman Spivey, Elizabeth Gassman Cheron, and Mackenzie Gassman Weiss; Andrew Willis, Creighton Willis, and Sarah Willis Sullivan; Larkin Willis, Zachary Willis, and Hunter Willis; Brian Young, Gavin Young, Jansen Young, and Rebekah Young. In addition, he is survived by fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He liked nothing better than catching up on the "going's on" of his family. He touched many with his sense of optimism and conviction of a brighter tomorrow. His fascination with the technological advancements of the day led him to become an innovator in his business endeavors and personal life, including internet classes for the residents of the Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community. In 2001, he was named a "Culpeper Colonel" for his service to the County.

He attended VPI and the University of Richmond and established The Willis, Gordon, Garnett and Allied Families Scholarship there. He ran the family farm, Bel Pre, until 1954 when, along with several family members, he established Culpeper Stone Co. Inc., where he served as president until his death.

A strong supporter of his community, he served on numerous boards, including Culpeper Memorial Hospital, the Second National Bank, and the Museum of Culpeper History. He was a member of the Culpeper Rotary Club, the Culpeper County Republican Committee, a former member of the Lions Club, and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of the Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department and the Brandy Station Ruritan Club. He served on state and national organizations, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Virginia, Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Baptist Homes, Inc., Jacob's Ladder, Virginia Museum of Natural History, the National Crushed Stone Assoc., Virginia Crushed Stone Assoc., Virginia Manufacturers Assoc., and the Virginia Roadbuilders' Assoc. He served Culpeper Baptist Church as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon, and Trustee.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 22, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Clore-English Funeral Home, 11190 James Monroe Hwy., Culpeper Va. Funeral services will be on Monday, May 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Culpeper Baptist Church, 318 S. West St., Culpeper, Va., with interment to follow at Culpeper Masonic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolent Fund of the Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community, PO Box 191, Culpeper, VA 22701 or Culpeper Baptist Church, 318 S. West St. Culpeper, VA 22701.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Addison Willis

What is your first memory of Addison?

Share a favorite memory you have of Addison.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Addison.

Describe a time when Addison made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Addison?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Addison.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Addison.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Addison.

What is something you learned from Addison?

Not sure what to say?

3 Entries

May 20, 2011

Darlene Breeden

Dear Werter, Janice and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Werter's dad. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Sincerely,

May 11, 2011

Mr. Willis was my employer for most of my adult life. I would like to express my condolences to the entire Willis family. I have many fond memories, especially conversations we had concerning the Redskins.
Gene Donald, Fredericksburg, VA

May 10, 2011

Tammy Williams

My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. God Bless. I only have happy memories of Mr. Willis during all the years that I worked at Culpeper Stone Company. Especially Mr. Willis and his love for "Chocolate".

Tammy Williams

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Addison Willis's name

Memorial Events
for Addison Willis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Clore-English Funeral Home

11190 James Monroe Highway, Culpeper, VA 22701

How to support Addison's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Addison Willis's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more