Carl Frank Willis, 85, of Hollister, passed from this life on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following an extended illness. Born in Haysi, Virginia, he moved to Putnam County in the mid 1950’s coming from Haysi. Carl was an master carpenter and helped in the construction of Hudson Pulp & Paper Company. He had worked with a carpenter’s union and had also worked at Florida Furniture Industries and as well as a shop steward at Seminole Electric. He later managed Lit’l Caesars Lounge in Mannville. Carl was also an accomplished musician and singer and enjoyed time entertaining family and friends. In his leisure time, Carl also enjoyed deer hunting, UF Gator sports and traveling all over the country.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene “Pineapple Willis, his parents, Kelsey and Carra Willis, 2 sons, Chris Willis and Tony Willis and his siblings, Frank Willis, Irene Lee, Ralph Willis, Sue Anderson and Shirley Gilyard.
Carl is survived by a daughter, Sharon Hudson of SC, a son, Dean Willis of Keystone Heights, 2 sisters, Jean Green of Palatka and Cathy Coleman of Hollister, 3 grandchildren, William Tony Baker, Ashley Hudson and Mike Hudson and 4 great-grandchildren, Macie Baker, Faith Baker, Lillie Baker and Max Baker.
Services celebrating Carl’s life will be at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Bro. Darrell Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Hollister- Sweetwater Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until the time of services at 2:00 P.M.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Carl’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.