Captain (ret) Moise Willis, husband of Olivia Counts Willis, departed this earthly life on Sunday, December 11, 2016, after an extended illness.
He was born on August 12, 1959, in Sumter, SC, he was the son of the late Mary Lee Willis. In addition to his mother, he was raised by his maternal grandmother, the late Hattie Albert Willis. He attended Sumter County Schools and graduated from Sumter High School in 1978; however, he enlisted into the United States Navy in December 1977. Upon completing recruit training in Orlando, Florida, he graduated from Hampton University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 1991, and was commissioned as an ensign in the Nurse Corps. In 1999, he attained his masters degree in Sociology from Howard University in Washington, DC. Through his endeavors, he earned the highest respect from those he led by raising from a junior enlisted Sailor to the prestigious officer rank of senior Captain, and served his country for 38 years. During his tenure in the military, Captain Willis earned many awards and personal accolades, including having an article published in Healthcare Analytics in Navy Medicine; a member of the Journal Founders Advisory Board for the Journal of Healthcare, Science, and the Humanities (2015); and three Meritorious Service Medals…a true patriot.
Upon his retirement on September 11, 2015, Captain Willis returned to his home in Green Cove Springs, Florida where his favorite pastimes included watching his television shows, assisting fellow servicemen-active and retired-or their spouses with their affairs, and enjoying several daily and weekly rounds of golf. He attended Greater New Zion Grove Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. Though he was not physically in Sumter, he continued his financial support to his home church, St. James United Methodist Church. He was a kind man with a giving spirit and an infectious smile. His family came second only to God. He was greatly loved.
One of Captain Willis most monumental quotes may perhaps be the following: "This is one thing I would tell any person: take advantage of the opportunities given to them, never burn your bridges, and always leave knowing you can reach back." "There is no place you can go that you don't know somebody, and your reputation will follow you, regardless of wherever you go."
Captain Willis leaves to cherish his memories; his wife; a son, Stavien Counts of Jacksonville, FL; a sister, Geraldine Butler of Sumter, SC; a brother, Dr. Emanuel (Janice) Willis of Sumter, SC; sisters-in-law, Susan Willis of Sumter, SC; Joyce King of Ocala, FL; Sundance Bonnie of New York; brothers-in-law, Randy Counts of Ocala, FL; James Curley of Ocala, FL; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
In addition to his mother and grandmother, Captain Willis was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Eliza Clark; eldest brother, TSgt (ret) Stephen Willis; brother-in-law, Allen Butler, Sr.; and nephew, Allen Butler, Jr.
Public Viewing will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 3-6pm at Job's Mortuary.
Mr. Willis will be placed in the church on Saturday at 10am for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 11am at St. James United Methodist Church, Sumter with Pastor Rev. Cheryl G. Johnson, Officiating
Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.
Family will be receiving friends at the home of his sister, 831 Willis Street, Sumter, SC