SR0700 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0700 LRB098 14816 MST 49768 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Harrison "Gene" Willis of Vernon Hills, who passed away on September 28, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Harrison Willis was born in Ellington, Missouri to George and Grace Willis; he served in World War II and was a veteran of the "Battle of the Bulge" with the 87th Infantry, Golden Acorn Division; he was a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Reserves; he retired from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center as Chief Crane Operator; and

WHEREAS, Harrison Willis had a passion for automobiles and he was the former secretary and treasurer of the Lake County, Illinois Corvette Club; he also enjoyed painting and singing; and

WHEREAS, Harrison Willis was preceded in death by his first wife, Georgia (nee Shelby) Willis; his second wife, Katherine (nee Corzine) Willis; his parents; and his siblings, Lois, Hazel, Volley, Lewis, and Shirley; and

WHEREAS, Harrison Willis is survived by his children, Joyce (Michael) Wade, Rita (James) Bero, and Steven (Billie Jean) Willis; his grandchildren, Brent (Cynthia) Wade, Eddie (Mindy) Plante, Carson (Brian) Gasner, Dawn Wilkenson, Crystal Willis, Melisa (Joe) Wilkenson-Morzuch, and Shelby (Aaron) Gustman; his 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Harrison "Gene" Willis, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Harrison Willis as an expression of our deepest sympathy.