Jerry Lynn Willis

Jerry Lynn Willis, age 67, of Ross, passed away early Monday morning, June 13, 2011 at Providence Health Center in Waco. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West, with Dr. John Crowder officiating. Burial will follow at White Rock Cemetery near Ross. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Jerry was born February 23, 1944 in West, the son of William E. "Tom" and Mary Ruth (Marshall) Willis. He was a 1962 graduate of Aquilla High School. Jerry received an Associates Degree in Art from Hill College and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Sam Houston State University. He served his country with the United States Army Reserve. Jerry worked for the Associated Milk Producers for several years and Latham Springs Encampment for 12 years. He was also a rancher. Jerry was very witty and loved everyone. He enjoyed socializing with friends and especially loved spending time with his granddaughter, Lauren. She was the light of her "Pappy's" life. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Billy Willis. Survivors include a daughter, Dawn Sykora and husband Rodney of Danbury; a brother, Dan Willis and wife Jan of Gholson; a sister, Marilyn Storm and husband Donald of Red Oak; a sister-in-law, Delfa Willis of West; a granddaughter, Lauren Sykora; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Rocky Chranza, Steve Kalina, Scott Moses, Thomas Willis, Bob Willis, Brady Willis, Casey Willis, and Toad Tucker. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials be made to the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame in memory of Jerry Willis, P. O. Box 40180, Ft. Worth, TX 76140-0180.