Date of Service:
January 17, 2022
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Carlton Lee Willis, age 88, passed away on January 6th, 2022, in Vero Beach, Florida.
He was born in St. Augustine, Florida, to the late Edmond and Lettie Willis.
Carlton was a 30-year, United States Air Force Veteran and served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. While serving in the Air Force, Carlton received numerous awards, medals, and commendations including: the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, US Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with One Oak Leaf Cluster, US Army Good Conduct Medal with Three Devices, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with One Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal with One Device, United Nations Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with One Silver and One Bronze Oak Leak Cluster.
After Carlton’s career in the United States Armed Forces, he worked for the Naval Aviation Depot in Jacksonville, Florida, for 15 more years before finally retiring as a Supply Technician.
He was a member of Grace Anglican Church, Fleming Island, Florida.
Survivors include his loving wife, Willene Gayle Willis; daughter, Cheryl (Ernest) Lynn McCloud of Vero Beach, Florida; son, Stewart (Julie) Lee Willis of Denville, New Jersey; brothers, Edmond (Mary) Willis of St. Augustine, Florida, Richard (Barbara) Willis of Middleburg, Florida, Kenneth (Delama) Willis of Middleburg, Florida, Vernon Willis of Orange Park, Florida, and Ronnie (Hattie) Willis of Orange Park, Florida; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A service will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on January 17th, 2022 at 11:00 AM with military honors.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Denise Farmer and Marlene Webley - sister and niece
January 9, 2022, 8:47 pm
Dear Aunt Gayle, Cheryl and Stewart, My mother, Marlene Webley, and family express sympathy at your loss, The entire Willis Family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We have such fond memories of Uncle Carlton. My mother still talks about the trip with the three sisters and their husbands. Such fond memories speak to what a great gentleman Carlton was to all those around him. Please let us know if we can help you in any way. Love, Marlene, Denise, Kent, Jeanette and the Webley Family.
Robert Elich - Friend
January 17, 2022, 2:52 am
Dear Gayle, My sincere condolences to you and your family with the passing of Carlton. He was a true gentleman and honorable person. I know your feelings with the loss of your mate, friend and companion and you have all my sympathy. God Bless. Love, Bob Elich
Vernon Willis - Brother
January 17, 2022, 1:18 pm
To my brother who was loved so much. Thank u for all the days i got to be around u i will never forget them. Will never forget them or u thank u for letting me be your little brother.