Maurice Jefferson Willis, Jr.

Maurice Jefferson (Jeff) Willis, Jr., 72, of Valdosta, died on Monday, March 20, 2023, at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born in Valdosta on November 11, 1950, to the late Maurice Jefferson, Sr., and Bertha Beaty Willis and has been a lifelong resident of this area. Jeff worked in sales with the Cregger Company and a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church. Jeff enjoyed coaching his sons in recreational sports with the YMCA in both basketball and baseball. Jeff also served as a past board member and treasurer with Messiah Lutheran and was known to his family and friends as an individual who was in a constant state of motion. Above all, his family was the primary focus in his life and he ensured that he devoted his time to their well being.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 50 years, Deanese Hanks Willis of Valdosta; his two sons and a daughter-in-law, Gary Willis of Warner Robins, and Craig and Anna Willis of Valdosta; his grandchildren, Coleman Willis, Brooks Willis, Evan Willis, Eliza Willis; his mother-in-law, Rose Hanks of Adel; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Doug and Anna Hanks of Adel, and a sister-in-law, Donna Hanks of Gainesville, Ga.; close cousins, Jack Herndon, Walton and Leslie McGhin, Lyle and Annie McGhin. Jeff was preceded by his brother, Carroll Willis.

Services for Jeff Willis will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Pastor Richard Lohmeyer officiating. The burial will follow in the McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia or Messiah Lutheran Church. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.