Obituary of William R. Willis

Cameron, NY | William R. Willis, 59, of Coon Road, Cameron, passed away at home on Friday, June 13, 2014 following a long, valiant battle with cancer. Billy was born in Hornell, NY on Oct. 25, 1954, the son of William W. and Marilyn Tiffany Willis. He attended Jasper Central School where he graduated in 1974. Billy was always drawn to jobs which involved working with wood. He had been employed at Gunlocke in Wayland, Field's Construction, Woodhull Forest Products and lastly at General Marble in Hornell. He was a very talented woodworker and loved to hunt and fish. He was a fan of NASCAR and football. He is survived by his longtime companion, Karen Tillinghast of Cameron, his son, Shane Willis (Becky Zdanowski) of Hornell, his daughter, Tonya Tillinghast of Elmira, his father and step mother, William W. and Becky Willis of Bath, his sisters, Jackie Mitchell of Bath, Darlene (Hugh) Allen of Cameron and Patty (Robert) Cornish of Troupsburg, his brothers, Donald Willis (Lois Button) of Addison, Calvin (Mary) Willis of Jasper, Jeff (Sharon) Willis of Greenwood and Marty (Melissa) Willis of Addison and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Billy was preceded in death by his mother Marilyn Willis on Apr. 14, 2001 and his nephew Brandon Willis. Friends may call on Tuesday, June 17 from 11 AM to 2 PM at the H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Billy's funeral services will follow visitation at 2 PM with Rev. Brian Diffenbacher officiating. Burial will be made in Hedgesville Cemetery, Town of Woodhull. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to help with funeral expenses. Any donations can be sent to Karen Tillinghast, 5308 Coon Road, Cameron, NY 14819. Service: Tuesday, June 17, 2014 2:00 PM H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY Visitation: Tuesday, June 17, 2014 11 AM to 2 PM H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY