Obituary for Nathaniel Willis
Nathaniel Willis was the son of Roland and Savannah (Lee) Willis. He was born June 22, 1943 in Mounds, Illinois. His family later moved to Battle Creek, Michigan. Nathaniel transitioned on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was 77 years young.
Nathaniel graduated from Battle Creek Central High School on June 5, 1964. After graduation, Nathaniel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and received an honorable discharge.
He married his lovely wife Eliza (Aiken) Willis on April 4, 1981. They were married for 39 years being blessed with one daughter, Gabrielle Lynn Willis.
Nathaniel was employed with Battle Creek Public Schools for many years as a Bearcat Watch/ Coach. He was also a job developer, and an all-around mentor.
He was a member of Open Door COGIC (which was later changed to Faith Assembly) under Bishop Eugene B. McCoy, which is now New Level Church, under the leadership of Pastor Christopher J. McCoy. He served faithfully as an elder in these ministries until his passing. He was also involved in prison ministry for many years.
Nathaniel was preceded in death by his father Roland (Retha) Willis and his mother Savannah (Robert) Jones.
He is survived by his wife Eliza Willis; his daughter Gabrielle Willis, and special daughter Zenetta Willis. Siblings; Robert Willis, Francine (Morris) Fullerton, Kenneth (Charlene) Willis, Barbara (Silon) Boyd all of Battle Creek, and Marcus Jones of Surprise, Arizona. Aunts; Ruth Ellis of Battle Creek and Cassae Ryan of Alexandria,Virginia and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Special friends: Gena Reed, Michael Nunnally, Apostle Hermon Phillips, Walter Campbell and many others.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 14th from 9:30-11:00 AM at New Level Church with the funeral to immediately follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Christopher J. McCoy officiating. Arrangements by Bachman Hebble Funeral Service (269) 965-5145. www.bachmanhebble.com
Nathaniel graduated from Battle Creek Central High School on June 5, 1964. After graduation, Nathaniel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and received an honorable discharge.
He married his lovely wife Eliza (Aiken) Willis on April 4, 1981. They were married for 39 years being blessed with one daughter, Gabrielle Lynn Willis.
Nathaniel was employed with Battle Creek Public Schools for many years as a Bearcat Watch/ Coach. He was also a job developer, and an all-around mentor.
He was a member of Open Door COGIC (which was later changed to Faith Assembly) under Bishop Eugene B. McCoy, which is now New Level Church, under the leadership of Pastor Christopher J. McCoy. He served faithfully as an elder in these ministries until his passing. He was also involved in prison ministry for many years.
Nathaniel was preceded in death by his father Roland (Retha) Willis and his mother Savannah (Robert) Jones.
He is survived by his wife Eliza Willis; his daughter Gabrielle Willis, and special daughter Zenetta Willis. Siblings; Robert Willis, Francine (Morris) Fullerton, Kenneth (Charlene) Willis, Barbara (Silon) Boyd all of Battle Creek, and Marcus Jones of Surprise, Arizona. Aunts; Ruth Ellis of Battle Creek and Cassae Ryan of Alexandria,Virginia and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Special friends: Gena Reed, Michael Nunnally, Apostle Hermon Phillips, Walter Campbell and many others.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 14th from 9:30-11:00 AM at New Level Church with the funeral to immediately follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Christopher J. McCoy officiating. Arrangements by Bachman Hebble Funeral Service (269) 965-5145. www.bachmanhebble.com