Charles Willis

Rev. Charles Edward Willis, 84, of Waco, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. A celebration of his life will be held 10:00 am, Friday, May 27th at Waco Memorial Park, 6623 S Interstate 35, Waco. Burial will immediately follow. The family will receive visitors 5-7 pm, Thursday, May 26th at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr.
Rev. Willis was born July 11, 1931 in Crossett, Arkansas to Ernest and Minnie Willis. In the fall of 1946, at the age of 15, he started preaching and was ordained in June of 1954. He married Treva Jean July 3, 1950 and she joined him in his ministry. They were pastors at First Assembly of God in Waco until they retired, July 31, 1994. They served the church in the early 1960’s and fourteen years more when they returned as pastors in 1980.
Several years they served as evangelists, having an effective ministry in singing. Their most requested duet was, “Where the Roses Never Fade.” It was on the first record they recorded in 1951. For eighteen years Rev. Willis served as an Assemblies of God District Presbyter over Central Texas. His tenure ended December 31, 2000. At the district convention in 2001, he was elected to serve as Honorary Presbyter for the rest of his life. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed by all.
Rev. Willis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Treva on September 25, 2004; an infant son; and his brother, James Willis.
He is survived by his son, Allen Willis of Lubbock; daughters, Rene’ Willis and Heather Willis of Waco, Dianne Rose of Missouri; eight grandchildren, Ashlee, Audrey, Angela, Brianna, Christopher, Dean, Duane, and Maegan; brother, Doyle Willis and his wife Sharon of Katy; sister-in-law, Bonnie Laughlin and husband Bob of Temple.