Dr. Thomas Willis III

Thomas M. Willis III was born August 31, 1947, to Thomas M. Willis and Ladye Vivian Hill Willis who preceded him in death. Thomas (affectionately known as Tommy) was the third child of this union. His older sister, Yvonne Hill Willis Ash, also preceded him in death.

Tommy gave his life to Christ at a young age at Kingsway Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Herman Dreer. He rededicated his life at The Cathedral at Pleasant Grove Church under the leadership of Bishop Courtney A.Jones.

Tommy attended Riddick Elementary and Sumner High School graduating in the Class of 1965. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois College and a Doctor of Dental Science from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He practiced dentistry for many years in the Kansas City, Kansas area. His mentors were Dr. Aldrich Brooks and Dr. Walter Gibson, renowned dentist of St. Louis.

Dr. Willis returned to St. Louis and began teaching in the St. Louis Public Schools. He taught Chemistry at Sumner High School, his alma mater, and was head of the Science Department. He also taught Genetics at Meramec College. Dr. Willis earned the prestigious George Washington Carver Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Willis, better known as Uncle   Tommy, was comical and loved to laugh. He made the best homemade rolls this side of heaven.

He leaves to cherish his memory one sister, Andrea P. Willis Neal; three nieces, Patricia M. Neals, Tritobia Q. Jones (Bishop Courtney), and Michelle A. Neals; a great niece, Adrien Rose Jones, and a great nephew, Marvin Thomas Neals, II; and a host of cousins, friends, and Colleagues.

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