Carl N Willis

With heavy hearts, the passing of Carl N. Willis, 88 of Welaka, FL is honored by his loving family. He passed peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Roberts Care Center in Palatka, Fl. Carl was born on March 20, 1932 in Richland County, WI to the late Carl and Avis Willis. Carl is revered as the loved, respected and adored patriarch of a proud and grateful family. Carl loved his wife, family and friends to which he dedicated his life, duty and sacred honor. Carl grew up working a Wisconsin dairy farm, to go on to marry the love of his life Cherie Willis (Harris), after which Carl volunteered to the United States Air Force. Stationed in French Morocco Carl spent his enlistment as a dental technician to be honorably discharged, completing his military commitment. After returning to the US, Carl went to work building Sprinkle All Landscape and Irrigation of Jacksonville, FL into an honest business serving countless loyal customers with dedicated employees for over three decades. Carl became and avid off-shore, inter-coastal and river boater, fishing and enjoying his family, friends and the Captains Club of Jacksonville, FL. Carl enjoyed dancing with his wife up to his final days. Carl and his wife spent their retirement traveling in an RV as volunteers for 17 years at National and State Parks, Fish and Wildlife and the US Forrest Services. After their travels Carl and Cherie came to his final church home with Hope Lutheran of Satsuma, FL. Carl is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Nadine Couey and Joy Fulton; brother, Jerry Willis; grandson, Nordell Willis. Carl is survived by his wife of 69 years, Cherie Willis; children, Heidi Willis, Nordi Willis(Marianne), and Major Carla Binnix(Major Ed Binnix); grandchildren, Brandon Mize, Trenton Mize(Saphira), Courtney Durpries (Chris), Caine Willis, Erika Binnix, Elaine Binnix; great grandchildren, Rivers Willis, Fisher Willis, Ethan Durpries; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. A private memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, donation in Carl’s memory can be made to the Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St Johns Ave #6817, Palatka, FL 32177. St Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In keeping with the CDC Coronavirus guidelines every attendee must wear a mask and the number of attendees may be restricted. We ask that if you are at high risk, feeling ill, or traveling from an area with a high level of infection, please do not attend the service. Those unable to attend can view the service live streamed at https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/549019 .