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REFLECTIONS OF Mr. FRED D. WILLIS, JR.

“In Loving Memory”

Fred Douglas Willis, Jr., was the first son born to Mildred and Fred Willis, Sr., on December 1, 1944, in Buffalo, NY. He was the cherished “big” brother to six siblings where he became a beacon of loyalty and guidance, rooted in the family's deep musical and spiritual traditions.

On October 23, 2023, at age 78, Fred peacefully slept away in Dayton, Ohio.

Fred's passion for music and sports during his growing up years lovingly filled his early life. His academic journey took him from Buffalo Technical High School to Buffalo State University on a basketball scholarship. Subsequently, he attended Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, where he developed a deeper love of God and service to His people. It was at Oakwood where he met and married Jeanne Williams. They became the proud parents of four children.

Fred earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University. This degree qualified him for a distinguished twenty-year professional career as Assistant Director in the Respiratory Department at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. His dedication to the well-being of others was mirrored in his personal life, where he was a bastion of knowledge, creativity, and love.

Fred is predeceased by his parents; two sisters: Karen Willis-Fields and Ruth Elaine Willis; and son Andre Maxberry. Mourning his departure are his wife of more than 29 years, Deborah; children Nevea, Christopher (Jackie), Paul (Lisa), Katrina, Stacey Maxberry, and Brian Maxberry; his brother, Cleo; and sisters Mildred (Conrad Gill), Linda (Jason Edgecombe), and Ava (Byron Barksdale); 8 grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends who will remember him for his deep integrity, wisdom, and the joy he found in life's simple melodies.

The Celebration of Fred's life will be held at Dale Wright Memorial Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 7409 Conservancy Rd., Germantown, OH 45327 on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 4 PM. He will be remembered as he lived, by singing, sharing God’s love and commemorating a life well-lived.

Final arrangements by W.E. Lusain Funeral Home, Dayton, Ohio.


Tributes

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Geraldine Lanier Stewart
December 2, 2023
December 2, 2023
I was saddened to hear of Freddie’s passing. It took me back many years when the majority of us young people of the church were a part of the renowned ET Chorale under the leadership of Fred Willis Sr. We had such fun traveling and singing in various communities throughout New York State.

Three of us were blessed to attend Oakwood College: Freddie, Joyce and me. It was a blessing being on campus with those from home. We were a family of friends.

Freddie came from a family of musicians, starting with his dad who was phenomenal in bringing out the best from those of us that sang in the chorale. Freddie was baritone, and could belt out a note. It was truly a ministry that all who heard were blessed.

Freddie will be truly missed and remembered. To his wife, children and siblings, I wish for you my deepest sympathy and condolences.

I pray that when we reunion on the streets of gold, that we will get together to sing once more in perfect harmony: “My new life I owe to thee, Jesus Lamb of Calvary.”

 Won’t that be a day of rejoicing!!
Shirley Graves-Poles
December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
To the Willis family:
I've known Freddie all of my life. The Willis family and the
Graves family lived near each other at Willert Park in Buffalo.
We attended church services on the lower East Side, in Cold Springs, and on Peckham and Adams Streets. Freddie loved attending church services. He sang with his family in the church choir.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May The Lord grant you comfort and peace.
Mary H. Gresham
October 28, 2023
October 28, 2023
Those of us who grew up in ET were blessed to be part of a unique community, the impact and memories of which we still cherish: the ET Chorale, the myriad lessons, laughter and the tears. Freddy Willis was a member of our community who always had a kind, sincere word for others. He inspired respect from those around him; gracious to young and old alike, Freddy often took the time to pull a smile from each encounter, no matter how brief. I am thankful to have known him. Along with my heartfelt condolences, I pray, for his family, that warm memories of Freddy will lessen the pain of his passing.
With Love and prayers,
Mary Harley Gresham
Joyce Stewart
October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023
I have known Freddie for all of my life, we both lived in the same area, attended the same elementary school and Oakwood College. I had the honor of singing with him in the Emmanuel Temple Chorale, at the Emmanuel Temple SDA Church in Buffalo New York.
I loved to hear Freddie sing, his voice was comforting and distinctive. He always had a smile, a kind word, a loving heart, and was very smart.
Even though, over the years, we lived in different cities and time has passed, I still consider Freddie as family and will cherish knowing that we were also friends.
I pray for all of the Willis Family to have strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Until we all meet again,

Joyce A. Stewart
Buffalo, New York

Herbert Stewart
October 26, 2023
October 26, 2023
Wow ... what devastating loss! Freddie and I grew up in Buffalo and began a long friendship while singing with the Emmanuel Temple Chorale which was directed by his father, Fred senior. I was a member of the Royal Templaires, and when the military called me away, highly talented Freddie replaced me. Freddie's voice was smooth as silk as all who heard him can attest to. I will miss you ... my brother!

With love and respect

Herbert A Stewart

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Geraldine Lanier Stewart
December 2, 2023
December 2, 2023
I was saddened to hear of Freddie’s passing. It took me back many years when the majority of us young people of the church were a part of the renowned ET Chorale under the leadership of Fred Willis Sr. We had such fun traveling and singing in various communities throughout New York State.

Three of us were blessed to attend Oakwood College: Freddie, Joyce and me. It was a blessing being on campus with those from home. We were a family of friends.

Freddie came from a family of musicians, starting with his dad who was phenomenal in bringing out the best from those of us that sang in the chorale. Freddie was baritone, and could belt out a note. It was truly a ministry that all who heard were blessed.

Freddie will be truly missed and remembered. To his wife, children and siblings, I wish for you my deepest sympathy and condolences.

I pray that when we reunion on the streets of gold, that we will get together to sing once more in perfect harmony: “My new life I owe to thee, Jesus Lamb of Calvary.”

 Won’t that be a day of rejoicing!!
Shirley Graves-Poles
December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
To the Willis family:
I've known Freddie all of my life. The Willis family and the
Graves family lived near each other at Willert Park in Buffalo.
We attended church services on the lower East Side, in Cold Springs, and on Peckham and Adams Streets. Freddie loved attending church services. He sang with his family in the church choir.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May The Lord grant you comfort and peace.
Mary H. Gresham
October 28, 2023
October 28, 2023
Those of us who grew up in ET were blessed to be part of a unique community, the impact and memories of which we still cherish: the ET Chorale, the myriad lessons, laughter and the tears. Freddy Willis was a member of our community who always had a kind, sincere word for others. He inspired respect from those around him; gracious to young and old alike, Freddy often took the time to pull a smile from each encounter, no matter how brief. I am thankful to have known him. Along with my heartfelt condolences, I pray, for his family, that warm memories of Freddy will lessen the pain of his passing.
With Love and prayers,
Mary Harley Gresham
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November 8, 2023
by flonzie Wright
I  was blessed and yes, honored to have known Fred and his lovely wife Deb. There was always a testimony in the songs he shared. Be encouraged my Sister-friend, God will be with you.  I will always treasure our time together. Mrs. (William) Flonzie Brown-Wright.  

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