Mr. Eugene "Gene" Willis, Sr.

Mr. Eugene Willis, Sr., 67, of Galesburg, Illinois transitioned from this life at 8:59 pm on Friday, September 16, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL. Eugene was born in Madison, Arkansas on December 12, 1954 to Octavia Miller and John Willis. He married Janelle Walker on November 26, 2005. Eugene worked at Farmland Foods, Inc., Monmouth, IL in maintenance retiring after over 20 years of service in 2020. He had a great work ethic and worked all the time. Eugene graduated from Forrest City High School, Forrest City, AR. He loved motorcycles and the blues music. Eugene had a dry sense of humor, but was loved by many. He was always helping others. Eugene was a religious man. He was a member of Second Baptist Church, Galesburg, IL. Eugene leaves to cherish his most precious memory five sons, Tyrone (Melinda) Nickelberry of North Hollywood, CA, Eugene Willis, Jr., Kendrick Willis and Jeremy Willis all of Forrest City, AR, Wesley Franklin of Indianapolis, IN; two daughters, Latoya Franklin of Indianapolis, IN and Tacarra Franklin of Jacksonville, IL; two brothers, John (Lisa) Willis, Jr. of Galesburg, IL and Albert Willis of San Antonio, TX; two sisters, Aimee Willis of Widener, AR and Octivia Livingston of Toledo, OH; nine grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Vendetta Franklin, two brothers, Robert Willis and Oliver Ward, three sisters, Olivia Jones, Mamie Greene and Joann Bayes Ward. The family will have a private service in Peoria, IL and in Forrest City, AR. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to SimonsMortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE (Central Time). Due to Covid-19, social distancing is encouraged to be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. Eugene "Gene" Willis, Sr.

December 12, 1954 - September 16, 2022