We Live in Hearts We Leave Behind~Thomas Campbell

A funeral will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2010, for 61-year-old Madison Willis of Perryville, who died Friday, January 1st at his home.

He was born September 8th, 1948 in Dyess, Arkansas, the son of Gene and Margaret Willis who both preceded him in death.

He married Frances L. Ford who survives.

He is also survived by two daughters: Paula (Keith) Overbey and Cindy Willis (fiancee Steve Mungle); three grandchildren: Jarred Hargrove, Joshua Hargrove and Sonnie Willis; three step grandchildren: Keith Ryan Overbey, Jacob Overbey and Nick Spitler, all of Perryville; four sisters: Mary Ann (Billy) McIntare of Tyronza, Arkansas, Janis Lawrence of Lepanto, Arkansas, Gail (Steve) Cockrell of Lepanto, Arkansas and Sharon (Wayne) Gotto of Perryville; three brothers: William (Teresa) Willis of Payneway, Arkansas, David (Pam) Willis of Trumann, Arkansas and Eddie Willis of Jackson.

He was also preceded in death by his father and mother in law: Barlow E. and Qusene Ford; a brother: Gerald Glenn Willis; and a grandson: Jacob Eldridge Hargrove.

He was the current owner of the Plaza Lounge in Perryville. He previously managed several Sterling stores in Arkansas before managing the Sterling store in Perryville in 1976. He served as manager until it closed in 1982. He then took a management position with the Chester Wal-Mart. He briefly transferred to Texas as manager of Wal-Mart before becoming the manager of the Pic-Pac grocery in Perryville. He then managed IGA grocery in Perryville from 1990 until he purchased the Plaza Lounge in 2000.

He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion in Perryville. He was also an active supporter of the American Cancer Society, raising several thousand dollars for their cause.

Visitation will be 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, January 5th at the Miller Family Funeral Home in Perryville.

A funeral for 61-year-old Madison Willis of Perryville will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 6th at the Miller Funeral Home in Perryville.

Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to family choice.