Edward Donald Willis
08/17/1940 - 03/06/2021
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Over the last week, friends, neighbors, colleagues and clients with four-legged family members, have called to share memories of Dr. Willis, who was a resident of Montgomery for more than 50 years.
His life’s journey began on August 17, 1940, as the sixth of seven children born to the late Isaac Eugene Willis and Rosetta Gordon Willis of Selma, Al. Eventually, the young boy became inspired by a friend to become a printer, and was filled with determination to pursue the career when he graduated from Hudson High School (Selma) at the age of 16. The pursuit prompted him to take a Greyhound Bus to Hartford, CT where he worked at the VA Hospital to earn money to enable him to return to Alabama that fall and enroll at Tuskegee Institute. Once there though, he pivoted his interest to biology and other sciences to receive his undergraduate degree in 1961, and a Doctorate from the university’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1966.
Commissioned as a Captain in the U.S. Army, the young man from a large family married an only child, Helen Ann Roberts, that May. They moved to posted stations in Texas and Missouri before Willis was called to serve a Tour of Duty in Vietnam with the Veterinary Corps in 1968. Upon his return to the states, he was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.
They had already begun to welcome the next generation of Willises into their family, when they were soon presented with the opportunity to return to Alabama. Assigned as a USDA Government Inspector, he shared many stories over the years about the position that prompted travel across several states. A subsequent transfer to the U.S. Air Force Reserve positioned him to complete Veterinary Medical Squadron requirements at Maxwell Air Force Base. It also prompted a return to Active Duty at the Pentagon during Operation Desert Storm. He retired from the Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2000, having been recognized with several distinguished military service awards and medals.
With a continued focus on his Veterinary career, Dr. Willis was elated to return to Tuskegee to serve on the Vet School’s Interim Faculty. He was recognized as the First African American Licensed Veterinarian to practice and own a veterinary hospital in Montgomery, AL when he opened Willis Animal Clinic in 1975. With humble beginnings, he initially provided care for local animals from a trailer, until he built the hospital’s current location across the street on Mobile Highway.
The strong commitment to the Veterinary profession rubbed off on his only daughter, who became a Veterinarian, and took over his practice at the onset of his recent and brief illness.
Dr. Willis, age 80, was surrounded by his family at home when he passed peacefully from this life to become a “Heavenly Vet” on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery. His life and good works will continue to be cherished by his wife of 54 years, Helen Ann Roberts Willis; and their children ---Edward Donald “Eddie” Willis, Jr. of Dulles, Virginia; Dr. Dana Willis-Henderson (Juan) of Montgomery; and Andrew Antonia Willis of Durham, North Carolina.
The legacy of this veterinary pioneer is being preserved by them for those who were proud to call him “granddaddy” -- Edward Donald “Trey” Willis, III, Chandler Henderson and Darian Henderson.
Dr. Willis was preceded in death by his siblings: Dr. Isaac Eugene Willis, Jr., Geraldine Willis Smith and Celestine Willis Alston. Memories of their lives together will continue to be shared by his surviving brothers and sister: Timothy Willis of Chicago; Ruth Willis of Selma; and Arthur Willis of Washington, D.C.
Extremely passionate about HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Willis mentored high school students for over 40 years, encouraging them to attend college. He shared that passion with members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., who now mourn his loss, along with leaders of the community who are members of Phi Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
Dr. Willis was a member of Leadership Montgomery Class IV; the American Veterinary Medical Association; The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association; the Montgomery Veterinary Medical Association; and St. John’s Male Chorus. He was a Connecting Link of The Links, Incorporated; and also provided veterinarian support to the Montgomery Humane Society for several years.
Dr. Willis and his family received the touching support of a brotherhood of physicians who rallied to ensure every method was pursued, and every comfort was granted during his last days. Special thanks are extended to Dr. George McWhorter and Dr. James Lasker, both of Birmingham; Dr. Norman Taylor, Dr. John Jernigan, Dr. Brian Gary all of Montgomery; and Dr. Jerome Williams of Birmingham, who will provide an inspirational tribute to Dr. Willis at the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Montgomery Humane Society; or to the Dr. Edward Willis Scholarship Fund at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Office of the Dean Patterson Hall, Room 201, 1200 West Montgomery Road, Tuskegee, AL 36088