Arthur Cecil Willis, Jr., son of Arthur Willis and Madeleine Auclair, (she was a French war bride), was born in Baltimore, Maryland, at home in the 1300 block of N. Washington Street on December 27, 1929. He would later use 1927 as his year of birth, so he could enter the U.S. Navy at the age of 14. He was raised by his mother and two older sisters Mildred and Madeleine. When his mother passed away when he was 11 years old, he left home at 13 years old, as his father and new stepmother felt he was a delinquent due to his street activities. With help from his married sisters and their husbands, he returned to school but later left to expand his entrepreneurial life. His life on the streets of Baltimore ended in 1944 when he enlisted in the Navy. It was his patriotism, the need for 3 meals, and a cot that enticed his decision. While in the Navy at Submarine School in Boston, he met and married Helen Delia Andrews who had two boys, Richard, and Bill. They later added Jon in 1951 and adopted Deborah in 1965.
While assigned to the USS Blandy, he was in the area of Cuba and his ship forced a Russian sub to the surface that was attempting to elude detection. Arthur retired from the Navy as CWO and began his new career as Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at Harford Junior College, a small campus in Bel Air, MD. He remained in that position until an on-the-job injury forced his retirement. He spent the after years traveling in various motor homes with Helen and his grandchildren Aaron, Chris, and Billy.
Arthur remarried after Helen passed away in 1992, and he lived in Bradenton, Florida with his second wife Ruby Hall. She passed away in Florida after a short illness. Arthur passed away after a short illness in Bradenton, Florida. He is survived by his son Jon Willis and daughter Deborah Crites. Richard and Bill passed away earlier. There are 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces and nephews and their children.
A viewing will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 10-11 AM, with a service following at 11 AM, at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 927 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, MD. Interment will be held at Parkwood Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in his memory to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org
Messages of condolences and memories to share may be made to www.zellmanfuneralhome.com