Randolph Edens Willis, a former Johnsonville mayor and a well-known man in the small town, died Wednesday at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence. He was 82.
Willis, who served as mayor from 1986 to 1998, is remembered by those closest to him as a fine man, a community activist and a loving father and husband.
“He was a very fine person, very outspoken, loved people and was a good Christian man,” said Emily Willis, his wife of 55 years. “He was an excellent father, and he loved people.”
In addition to being mayor, Willis was a retired high school teacher and football coach, an active member of Johnsonville United Methodist Church and a former member of city council.
Despite his busy life in the community, family members said Willis was always there for them.
“He was an absolutely awesome dad,” said Randy Willis, his 53-year-old son. “He’d always have time for us as kids.”
Emily Willis spoke highly of her husband’s involvement at church. A member for nearly 60 years, she said he was the Sunday school superintendent and a Sunday school teacher.
Willis’ active church life rubbed off on his children.
“He was not one of those that sent us to church,” said Randy Willis, who is principal of Johnsonville Middle School. “He was one of those that took us to church and lived it in front of us.”
Willis’ time as a member of Johnsonville City Council came while the next mayor, Tom Redmond, was in office. Redmond said he valued the experience Willis offered.
“He was a big, big help to me,” Redmond said. “I leaned on him heavy for his past experience and all. He was just a warrior for the city of Johnsonville. He will be missed.”
Willis also was a longstanding member of the Johnsonville Masonic Lodge, said Wilson Hardee, secretary of the local lodge.
“He was a nice fellow, (a) good friend,” said Wilson, who said he’d known Willis since 1950. “He was a good Christian.
“He was the kind of fellow you like to be around. He was well educated. He was just a good person.”
Willis spent 28 days in the McLeod Trauma Surgical Care Unit after getting an infection following a major operation about a month ago, his family said.
Willis suffered a stroke early Wednesday morning. He died about six hours later with his wife, son Randy, daughter Renee Sanders and son-in-law Ricky Sanders by his side.
Randy Willis said the family appreciated the care his father received while at McLeod.
“The staff of the Trauma Surgical Care Unit did an absolutely awesome job,” he said.
Funeral services will be at 5:30 p.m. today at Johnsonville United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the church.
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