Paul Willis

Paul Grace Willis age 79 of Henderson, NV passed away on May 5, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV. He was born in Judsonia, AR on October 22, 1932 the youngest of twelve children to George Edgar Willis and Mamie Ethel Simpson Willis. He grew up in Bald Knob, AR. He served his country in the United States Army as a Private First Class. Paul moved to the Las Vegas area in 1957 from Omaha, NE. He married Rosalie Deanne Obray on July 26, 1960 in Paradise, UT. Shortly after being married they moved to Las Vegas, NV and started a family. Paul joined his older brother Edwin, working at the Flamingo Hotel in the maintenance department. Both Paul & Ed decided to join the IBEW Local 357 Electrical Union. He had the opportunity to help build the Las Vegas strip, the Laughlin area and later in his career, he took the opportunity to work at the Nevada test site where after 30 years he retired from the IBEW Local Union.

Paul enjoyed working on cars and going to car shows. He was very mechanically inclined and could figure out how to fix anything. He was intrigued with clocks and would design, as well as collect clocks. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, throwing horse shoes, shooting pool, hanging out at the local swap meet and playing tonk with his friends at the Union Hall. Paul started working when he was 12 years old at a local pool hall brushing off the pool tables, he learned to become a very good pool player and discovered he could win money doing so. He learned from the best pool players in Bald Knob. Paul enjoyed growing up with all his brothers and sisters. They were very close and Paul truly enjoyed their company. They were a great influence in helping him on his path of success. He enjoyed going on rides to Lake Mead with his wife he always called "Rosie". Paul had a very special love for his children and loved playing with his grandchildren. He also found that he enjoyed watching and playing with his furry grand babies as well. On March 25, 1961 Paul became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Paul and Rosie were later sealed in the St George Temple in March 22, 1969.

Paul is survived by his wife Rosalie of Henderson, NV; three children Jacqueline (Mike) Upshaw, of LeGrande, OR, Deborah (Chris) Bunker of Henderson, NV, Paul E Willis of Liberty Center, OH ,one brother Alfred Willis of Hot Springs, AR; 21 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He is preceded in by one daughter Paula Campbell.

Paul lost his mother when he was 5 years old. He always treasured the day that he would be able to see her along with his father and his brothers and sisters; LaVerne, Raymond, Naomi, Ben, Edwin, Henry, Madeline, Robert, Allen, Betty-Ann, Alfred And especially his sweet little Paula.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 10:00 at the Arrowhead Trail Chapel located at 801 Arrowhead Trail, Henderson, NV 89002. Visitation will be prior to service from 9:00 to 10:00. Following the services there will be a military honors and dedication of the grave at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com .