Thurman Lee Willis, Jr.
Thurman Lee Willis, Jr., age 71, of Monticello, died Sunday, July 19, 2020.
Born on December 19, 1948, in Spruce Pine, N.C., he was the son of Thurman Lee Willis, Sr. and Frances Rhyne Willis.
Mr. Willis moved to Monticello in 1954 and graduated from Monticello High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and was the 1976 first honor graduate of the University of Georgia School of Banking.
Mr. Willis began his banking career in 1971 with Farmers National Bank in Monticello. He served the people of Jasper County and Middle Georgia as president of the bank in this same building through many mergers and as Chief Operating Officer of McIntosh Bancshares. He retired in 2009 from McIntosh State Bank.
Through all the mergers his philosophy remained the same: the bank’s first responsibility is to meet the needs of its customers and to be a vital partner in community service.
Mr. Willis lived this philosophy by serving as past chairman of the Jasper County Hospital Authority, Jasper County Department of Family and Children Services, and Piedmont Academy Development Council. He also served as past president of Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, Monticello Industrial Authority, Jasper County Economic Development Authority, Monticello Downtown Development Authority, and Hunter Pope Country Club.
A true sports enthusiast, Thurman sought to provide opportunities for all Jasper County young people by serving as chairman of the Jasper County Recreation Commission when the new complex was built and as past president of the Monticello Hurricane Booster Club and chairman of the Renovation Committee for Rose Bowl Field. He was recognized for all his service by the people of Jasper County by being selected as Citizen of the Year.
Mr. Willis was a dedicated member of Monticello Baptist Church serving as deacon, past Sunday School director and teacher, and chairman of the building committee.
Thurman was the first initiate of Kappa Omega Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. These friendships lasted throughout his life.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 49 years, Angie Lee Malone Willis; his children, Thurman Lee Willis, III and wife Ansley of Bishop and John Malone Willis and wife Kathryn of Macon; his grandchildren, Laura Frances Willis, Collier Judson Willis, Virginia “Ginsey” Malone Willis, and Ellison Lynn Willis; his sister, Nancy Willis McBroom and husband Danny; his brother-in-law, Pete Malone and wife Ann and his sister-in-law, Ginger McCurry; and many special nephews and nieces.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a drive-thru visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Monticello Baptist Church. A graveside service will be held at West View Cemetery on Friday, July 24, at 11 a.m.
Serving as pallbearers will be Buddy Cain, Darrell Farrar, Charles Garrard, Matthew Goolsby, Robby Kelly, Dan Kersh, Larry Lynch, Marion McElheney, Russell Sitton, and George Tucker.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Monticello Baptist Church, 334 West Greene Street, Monticello, Ga. 31064.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.