Orace Wayne Willis, 88, formerly of Noblesville, IN but most recently of Cordyon, IN left the land of the dying for the Land Of The Living on May 30, 2018.
He was born August 27, 1929 to parents of Floyd and Inez Willis of Petersburg, IN. He was preceded in death, most recently, by a daughter Marsha Jean Black and his late wife Norma Jean Decker Willis. Survivors include five children: Millicent Thompson, Rev. Dr. Aron Willis (Sheryl), Carol Bowden (Darrell), Stephen Willis (Sonja), and Deborah Andrews (William) along with 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.
Best known as “O.W. Willis” to the people he served, his ministry career spanned more than 52 years in the Wesleyan denomination. He pastored five different churches and,served as a district supervisor of over 100 churches of the Indiana South District of the Wesleyan Church for 21 years but his ministry career passion was evangelism. Deeply impacted by his Christian conversion and life transformation, he delivered more than 9,000 sermons, conducted over 1,000 revivals and preached in 40 different denominations the Good News of Christ. He was esteemed by all he ministered to for his uncommon kindness and grace, his winsomeness and extraordinary preaching gifts. A vast number of individuals trace their spiritual beginnings or recovery to his influence and preaching as well as many who entered Christian ministry as life vocation. He is the author of a book “Come Southwind” which chronicles some of his ministry experiences.
The family will be receiving guests on Friday, June 1, 2018 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Gill Funeral Home, 308 E. Walnut St, Washington, IN. A service will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 1:00pm in Southwind Wesleyan Church, 1782 Troy Rd. Washington, IN with Dr. Aron P. Willis officiating. There will be a visitation also from 11:00am until the time of the service. Burial, following the funeral, will be at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery of Petersburg,IN.