Jack Morgan Willis, 81, of Jena, passed from this life at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 9, 2017 at the LaSalle Nursing Home of Jena.
Jack was born on March 26, 1936 in Good Pine, to the union of Albert E. and Alice Graham Willis.
While attending Southwestern Louisiana University in the early 1950s, Jack put his college education on hold to work as an inspector and surveyor for the pipeline industry and later the Louisiana DOTD for over twenty years.
A long-time storyteller, Jack candidly described himself as a lover of history and music, a scholar and reformed alcoholic, saved by God’s amazing grace.
At the age of 53, Jack and his wife of over 22 years, Elizabeth Anne Carraway Willis, attended college classes together at LSU Alexandria. At this stage of his life, he acquired a B.S. degree in Addictive Disease Counseling and for the next fifteen years assisted others in reclaiming their lives.
In 2011, Jack published and illustrated his first book in hard cover, titled “Catahoula Lake Chronicles: The view from Indian Bluff” and was in the process of completing a sequel before his health deteriorated.
With his computer at his bedside, the “LaSalle Folklorist”, wrote a weekly column for The Jena Times entitled “Grassroots and Cockleburs”’ often spinning tales of childhood shenanigans, and long forgotten memories of simpler times.
At the time of his death, Jack was a resident of the LaSalle Nursing Home, where he could be seen visiting other residents, staff and visitors from the community. His smile and quick wit made for enjoyable and interesting conversation over a cup of coffee.
He attended Maranatha Assembly of God and later moved his letter to Nebo Baptist Church. Jack enjoyed quoting the scripture and trusted in a mighty, gracious God who held his life in the palm of His hand.
Jack is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Willis and wife Michelle of Southlake TX, and Jack Scott “Jay” Willis of Tacoma, WA; two brothers, Lyndel Willis and wife Beth of Manifest, and Dale Willis and wife Joyce of Jena; his grandson, Daniel Willis of Wichita, KS, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A praise celebration honoring Jacks’ life and memory was held at 10 a.m., Thursday, December 14, at the Jena Cemetery, east of Jena, with the Revs. Gary Norris and Todd Norris officiating.