He is survived by his children, Lisa (Jeff) Davis of Woodbury and Terry (Lynn) Willis of Readyville; grandchildren, Steven (Lindsey) Davis, Zachary (Amanda) Davis, Kelly (Ian) Frazee and Lane Willis; great grandchildren, Hunter, Montana and Zaden Davis and John Blake Frazee; sister, Kay Harris of Petersburg; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robbie Cawthorn of Beech Grove, James Hill of Smithville, Billy Hill of Manchester, Bobby Hill of Christiana, Diane Green of Christiana, Jeff Hill of Bradyville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyte Ray Willis and Ruby Masel Paschal Willis; his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Willis and brother-in-law, Wendell Hill.
A member of Elkins church of Christ, Mr. Willis was a veteran of the Army where he was a paratrooper. He was a retired machinist from Hennessy. Melvin was a big man with a big heart. He loved his family and never met a stranger. He lost the love of his life, Phyllis, in August 2019 and was very devoted to her. When she was a residence at Woodbury Health and Rehab, he never missed a day to see her. Melvin enjoyed working with his hands making anything from metal including crosses, roses and horseshoe art.
Funeral services will be 2 pm Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 at the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Bryan Hayes and Bro. Charles Eaton officiating. Burial will follow at Gilley Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be after 4 pm Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021.
For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Gilley Hill Cemetery.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net