John Hardin Willis Jr

John Hardin Willis Jr., 65 of Morgantown passed away Sunday, February 16, 2014 at his residence after a long battle with Huntington's Chorea Disease and PTSD. He was born July 28, 1948 in Kingwood, WV the son of the late John Hardin Willis Sr and Gladys Virginia Rogers Willis-Stone. John was a veteran of the Marine Corp holding rank of Sgt and serving 2 tours of duty in Vietnam where he fought in the battle of Khe Sanh and was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam service medal with 2*, National Defense Medal and Rifle Sharpshooter Medal. After his military career, he was employed in Ohio, WV and Pa, in the Surface mining industry and served as VP of Operations for the Aloe Coal Company with 20 years of service.. John is survived by his wife of 45 years Louella Jean Lyons Willis, Brothers Tom Willis (Pam) of Independence, WV, Allen Willis of Reedsville, WV, Tim Willis and Liza Larew and Terry Willis both of Gladesville, WV. Sisters Kathy Savage (Jeff) of Morgantown, Susan Pratt of Virginia and Libby Durst of Maryland. He also was a beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Linda Willis and an infant brother Kevin Willis. Honoring John's Request,private visitation for the family only will be held at 1pm Wednesday, February 19, 2014 in the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens Chapel of Tranquility Mausoleum with funeral services at 2pm with Pastor Sonny McNear officiating followed by graveside military honors by VFW Post 9916 and members of the U S Marine Corp. A special thank you to the entire family for their extra ordinary support during this difficult time. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, that donations in John's memory be made to Animal Friends of North Central WV 252 Brewer Rd., Morgantown,WV 26508 or WVU Foundation for Huntington's Chorea research , (304) 284-4000 or 1-800-847-3856