Elbert S. 'Sam' Willis

Services for Elbert Samuel "Sam" Willis, 70, Tyler, were held Feb. 3 at People's Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Wooduronn Holman officiating. Burial will be in Oliver Chapel Cemetery under direction of Brooks-Sterling & Garrett Funeral Directors, Tyler.

Mr. Willis died Jan. 31, 2007, in Tyler.

He was born Dec. 3, 1936, in Smith County to the late Leamon and Ollie Beechum Willis Sr., and was a lifelong resident. He attended Blackjack Elementary and Stanton High School. He retired from Kelly- Springfield (Goodyear) Tire Plant, and was a member of Little Zion Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Mitchell Willis, and two brothers.

Survivors include daughters, Regina K. Gipson and Valetha G. Hartfield; both of Tyler; brothers, Robert H. Willis Sr. and Thomas Willis, both of Tyler, Nesby L. Willis, Troup, Ross E. Willis, Palestine, and Charles Willis, Fort Worth; sisters, Thelma Beasley, Whitehouse, Alma Birdow and Addie Pettigrew Taylor, both of Tyler, and Hattie Gildon, Dallas; and two grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Jerry Beasley, Elbert Beasley, Thomas Gipson, Emmitt Pettigrew Jr., Timothy Willis, Nesby Willis Jr., Ross Willis Jr. and Robert Willis Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are Tarl Hartfield, Jamarquis Gipson and deacons of Little Zion Baptist Church.