Gary Ronald Willis

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Gary Ronald Willis, 71, retired owner of Columbia Construction and successful cattleman and farmer, died Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Reverend Lory Catlett officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born March 30, 1952, in Maury County, he was the son of the late Jack Rogers Willis and the late Loris Jean Warf Willis. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Mr. Willis was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting.

Survivors include his daughter, Kaelin (Dr. Bobby Lee) Hanks of Drummonds; son, Seth (Mary Allison) Willis of Elberta, Alabama; grandchildren, Kimber Hanks, Willis Hanks, Piper Willis, Jetton Thomas; sister, Beth Willis (Kerry) Thacker of Columbia; nephews, Captain Jason (Lori) Gray of Yelm, Washington; Joseph Carter of Murfreesboro; four great nieces and nephews, and the mother of his children Kim Williams Willis.

Active pallbearers will be Seth Willis, Dr. Bobby Lee Hanks, Joseph Carter, Bill Yancey, Bob Brooks, Billy Willis, Kerry Thacker, Larry Hubbell, and Captain Jason Gray, US Army. Honorary pallbearers include Gary Butler, Darrin Totty, Larry Peach,  Bill Church, Herbie Church, Clifford White, and former employees of Columbia Construction.