Muriel Willis, Sr.
1934 ~ 2022
Date of Death: May 30, 2022
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Willis family. Muriel’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Muriel Willis, Sr.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Muriel Willis, Sr. was a blessing from God on Thursday, April 26, 1934 to the late Nora Roberts and Albert Burzelle in Van Buren, Arkansas. He was likewise called by God to take his eternal rest on Monday, May 30, 2022 from Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was the fourth of five children that also precedes him in death.
Muriel enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 17 on Friday, September 28, 1951. He served honorably as an Airman in the Korean War and was medically discharged at 19 on Thursday, April 30, 1953 when he lost a portion of his left leg.
Muriel worked for over 20 years at Harry G. Barr, now Weather Barr, before his amputation forced him to retire. He loved to cook and showed off his skills at the annual Barr family picnics alongside Curtis “Snook” Gilyard. He not only cooked at the Pickett Hill Annual fish fry, but he also caught much of the fish for the event. He was a passionate fisherman and mourned when he had to sell his boat because his diabetes would not allow him to be on the water alone.
Muriel married the love of his life, Mary Frances, on Friday, November 9, 1956 and they enjoyed 64 wonderful years together. They were blessed with six children: Mary Jane (Nolen) Welch, Sr., Muriel Willis, Jr., Lisa Willis, Shelia Willis, Mildred (Larry) Stringer, Sr., and Margaret Christian. They were also blessed with 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Muriel was a quiet man of few words. But, when he did talk, everyone listened to the wisdom God spoke through him. Muriel (“Action Kid”, “Ponty Bill”, Daddy) will be greatly missed. He believed in taking care of his family first, which he exemplified daily to the end. There are no words to express the love our Dad had for his family.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 2, 2002 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be held Friday, June 3, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Greater Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 35 South 22nd Street Van Buren, Arkansas 72956.
Committal service and final resting place will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery Fort Smith, Arkansas.