James Garland Willis

Franklin, NC - James Garland Willis, age 80, of the Cowee Community, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2012 at his residence. He was a native of Macon County, the son of the late William Luther Willis and Irene Tallent Willis. He was a US Army Veteran serving during the Korean War, and was a member of the American Legion Post #108. He had worked as a funeral assistant at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home for twenty-seven years, and was a previous office manager for Duncan Oil Company. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grand-father, and he loved to garden. He was a member of Cowee Baptist Church, where he served as a former Choir Director, Training Union Director, Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon Emiritus.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue Bryson Willis; son, Michael B. Willis and wife Lee of Franklin, NC; sister, Willa Mae McKinnish of Stanley, NC; five grandchildren and six great-grandhildren also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, and one brother.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 28th at 3:00 pm at Cowee Baptist Church, with Rev. David Powell, Rev. Lloyd Fish, Rev. Ronnie Branson and Rev. Charles Stevens officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Phil Scruggs, Bob Corbin, Charles Womack, Furman Shook, Bobby Bolick, and Christopher Willis. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Ramsey and the staff of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Saturday evening at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home, where the body will remain until placed in the Church one hour prior to the service.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.