Rev. Terry C. Willis
4/26/2021
Reverend Terry Clovis Willis died on Monday, April 26, 2021 at the age of 83. Rev. Willis was born on March 18, 1938 to Clovis and Maudlee Willis of Shreveport, LA, who were active laypersons in the United Methodist Church. While originally pursuing a career in computers, he answered the call of God to serve in ministry in 1965. Undaunted by his first appointment as a Local Pastor to five churches, Terry continued to serve while completing the Perkins School of Theology Course of Study in 1970, the Perkins Advanced Course of Study in 1974 and his bachelor’s degree at Louisiana Tech University in that same year. He served as pastor of various churches throughout Louisiana until being honored by a request to become a District Superintendent in 1995, a post he held for eight years under three different bishops. In 2003, Terry retired but began a final 17-year term of service to the Lisbon United Methodist Church, making him that church’s longest tenured pastor.
Terry will be remembered as a dutiful man of character, a devoted husband, a strong and caring father, and a faithful servant of God. He distinguished himself in many different leadership roles throughout his life, through steady strength and principled commitment. He was a fierce advocate for clergy colleagues and a mentor to younger clergy, including his two sons who are still active in ministry. While his unwavering dedication was to the church, Terry was an avid gardener and enjoyed computers, woodworking, fishing and hunting as well. He was a resourceful handyman, who could seemingly fix anything or never stopped trying.
Rev. Willis is preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Leon and Lula Whatley; his sister, Clovis Lee Hall and husband, Lloyd; his brother, Paxton Willis and wife, Peggy.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Judy Willis; their three sons, Ricky Willis and wife, Marie, and Gary Willis and wife, Amy, and Mark Willis; his sister, Nancy Dear and husband, Willis; five grandchildren, Michael Willis and wife, Felicia, Timothy Willis and wife, Crystal, Amanda Willis, Michelle Willis and Jason Willis; two great-grandchildren, Angel Willis and Stephen Willis; along with several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude for the many expressions of concern and sympathy. We rest assured that Terry has finished his course in faith, and as a good and faithful servant he now embraces the promise of Christ he proclaimed for nearly 60 years.
