Paul Garnett Willis

Rev. Paul G. Willis of Forest Park went to be with the Lord August 18, 2017. Rev. Willis graduated from Forest Park High School, received his Associate degree from Andrew College, his Bachelor degree from LaGrange College and his Master degree from Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Upon graduation Paul served as pastor of Ellenwood UMC; Pomona UMC in Griffin; Mt. Gilead UMC in Atlanta and as Associate Pastor at Hapeville UMC. In addition to his service in the North Georgia Conference he also served at Salem UMC in Cookeville, TN. Paul was a kind and caring person and loved people, he was often referred to as "a gentle giant". Paul loved music and was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice. Paul sang with a wide variety of choral groups over the years, including a performance in Europe and he took a master class under the renowned Robert Shaw. Paul loved Southern Gospel music and he and his wife Kim sang at various events. Paul was an original member of the Jonesmen Quartet which was established from the chancel choir at Jones Memorial UMC, Paul's home church, in February of 1979 and sang with the group for the best part of 30 years. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Violet Willis and brother-in-law, Darin White and is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Kimberly White Willis; sister, Becky Waldrop (Mike), Murfreesboro, TN; father and mother-in-law, Juan and Mary Jo White, Hampton; brother-in-law, Joel White, Hampton; daughter-in-"love", Jenni Williamson, Forest Park; nephew, Jonathan Waldrop (Shelley), Cincinnati, OH; nieces, Alanna and Hannah White; great nieces and nephew, Nora and Bonnie Waldrop, and Paul Briggs; many aunts, uncles and cousins; extended family include, Mike and Deb Tims, Sommer Bales, Chad, Hannah, Emma, Colton, Dylan and Tanner Reese. A memorial celebration will held Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church in Lake City. Dr. Rick Long, Rev. Bobby Simmons and Rev. Eric SLoth. There will a time of visitation at 1:00 Saturday prior to the service at the church. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paul Garnett Willis, please visit our flower store.