Freddie Nelson Willis

It has been said that the qualities of a godly man include: someone who fears and loves God, lives a life of prayer, takes responsibility, practices humility, shows integrity and honesty, exercises self-control, works diligently, extends grace and forgiveness and finally leads with love. Such is the soul of Freddie Willis who was born January 1, 1936, and went to his heavenly home on September 10, 2026.

Freddie was married to Gail Odom Willis for 68 years. They have two children, Jeff and Dianne. Freddie and Gail built a home filled with love.

Freddie was predeceased by his parents, Jake and Lois Willis; two brothers, James Edward and Bobby Willis; two sisters, Ruby Walker and Marjorie Peacock and his beloved horse Cubby. He is survived by his wife, Gail, and his two children, Jeff and Dianne (Jim). He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Chase Cannon (Elizabeth); Taylor Trueblood; Courtney Absher (Travis) and Tori Kuchenbrod (Joe), as well as ten great grandchildren: William and Oliver Cannon; Cason and Cannon Absher; Avery Grace and JAK Kuchenbrod and Nolan, Brynlee, Colson and Peyton Trueblood and numerous nieces and nephews.

Most people will remember Freddie for his servant’s heart and his work ethic. Freddie loved his Lord first and foremost, and he loved his family and friends from the depths of his heart and prayed daily for them. Freddie was in church every Sunday and Wednesday night that he could be there. For many years, he attended and served Lothair Church. Every time there was a need or project at the church he was among the first to volunteer. Also, he was an active member on the Administrative Board as well as the Pastor Parish Relations Committee and Lothair Men’s Group.

At the age of eighteen, Freddie took a job at Fowler’s Freezer Locker where he began cutting meat. This job turned into a career. At twenty-two, he accepted a position as a meat cutter with Piggly Wiggly Southern. He thrived and prospered with Piggly Wiggly. He loved serving people, and his skill as a butcher was exceptional. He received many promotions taking him and his family all over Southwest Georgia. He retired from Piggly Wiggly as a Regional Meat Consultant. Many young men were trained to cut meat by Freddie; and throughout his life, he would run into many he trained or worked with and they would almost always comment, “Mr. Freddie is a fine man.”

Freddie and Gail’s home was always open to family and friends. Many Sunday afternoons after church were spent riding horses, playing croquet, water skiing or playing a fun softball game in the horse pasture. Over his lifetime, Freddie loved spending time with his family. Family vacations were a priority to him-one week at the beach for his wife, daughter and son and one week in the mountains, which was his favorite place.

Freddie’s soul will never die, and his legacy will continue to live on. He will always bring together all who knew and loved him through the lessons he taught us and the exemplary life he lived.

Funeral Services will be conducted on September 14th at 11:00am at Lothair Church with Pastors Tommy Veal and Jonathan Shephard officiating. Mr. Willis will be laid to rest at Westview Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Chase Cannon, Keith Clements, Joe Kunchenbrod, DJ Sellers, Travis Absher and Tom Bush.

His family will receive friends on Monday, at the church, from 10:00am until the hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to Lothair Church. Please make these gifts payable to Lothair Church and indicate Lothair Building Fund or Lothair Mission Fund. The mailing address is Lothair Church, Attention: Robbie Hardy, 1725 Church Loop Road, Rockledge, GA 30454.

Please share a memory, leave a condolence message and sign the online guest register book at www.sammonsfuneralhome.com

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