Willis McCleary

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Willis Oliver McCleary was born Feb. 11, 1959, in Wyatt, Missouri, to Edward Earl and Marilyn Lee Bankhead-McCleary, and he died June 29, 2022.

Willis was educated in the Wyatt Public Schools where he attended Washington Elementary School, Charleston Junior High School and graduated from Charleston High School, Class of 1977. Immediately after graduating from high school, Willis embarked on a career in the United States Air Force where he served his country honorably for six years. During his time of service in the United States Air Force, Willis was an excellent aircraft mechanic and was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and an overseas tour in Okinawa, Japan. Willis was the sixth of 13 children and fourth of the eight boys born to his parents. He was known by his siblings as the brother who enjoyed making others laugh with his great sense of humor and one who was always willing to help others. Willis was also known as a generous giver in his hometown, Charleston, and the community where he resided in San Francisco, California.

Willis is survived by his son, Marcus McCleary; two beautiful Grandchildren, Carmen and Cameron McCleary; Brothers, John (Karen) McCleary; Ephraim Melik (Bobby) McCleary; Douglas McCleary; Todd McCleary and Titus (Labranda) McCleary; Sisters; Beverly Ann Brownlee; Darnette McCleary; Renee (Ned) June; and Jarris (Jamie) Kent. He also is survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, and friends. Willis is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Earl and Marilyn Lee Bankhead-McCleary, sister, Beatrice McCleary, and brothers, Lawrence McCleary and Alonzo McCleary.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church, 415 W. Marshall St., Charleston, MO 63834.

Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service at the Mound City National Cemetery, Old US Highway 51, Mound City, IL 62963.

Williams Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.