Mr. Edward Legare Willis, Sr. known by all as “Eddie”, age 83, of Cottageville passed away peacefully Thursday evening, July 25, 2024, with his family by his side following a long and extended illness. Born on May 14, 1941, in Cottageville, he was the son of the late Allen T. Willis and the late Rachel Harbiston Willis. Eddie enjoyed many holiday celebrations with all of the family together at Edisto River Home and Lake at Santee. One of his favorite places to be was at Pak-A-Sak Convenience Store or on his tractor or backhoe. A member of Cottageville Baptist Church, he attended Cottageville Methodist Church with his wife when his health permitted. He was also a member of Round Masonic Lodge, No. 270 – Ancient Free Masons in Cottageville. Eddie completed an apprentice program at Westvaco Paper Mill in Charleston and worked there until he began at the Charleston Naval Base where he worked until his retirement. After retiring he decided to follow his dream of many years and started a successful rental business. Eddie had a great sense of humor which he did not lose during his illness. His favorite hobbies were feeding the birds and deer in his backyard and watching them eat. Surviving are his loving wife of sixty-three years, Mrs. Patsy Byrd Willis; his precious daughter, Penny Willis Thomas and her husband Mitch of Cottageville; three grandchildren who he loved dearly; Ashley Thomas Fry and her husband Josh of Summerville; Lee Willis and Logan Willis of Walterboro; two great-grandchildren whom he adored, Gabe and Harper of Summerville; a brother, Reverend Alfred Willis and his wife Lenora of Saint Stephen; a brother-in-law, Donnie Byrd and his wife Patsy of Round O; and many special nieces and nephews who all held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his only and loving son, Edward Legare “Ned” Willis, Jr. whom he missed terribly and daughter-in-law, Rhonda DeVries Willis, and brother-in-law, Johnny Branton, and sister-in-law, Cherie Branton. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Amedysis Hospice and the caregivers who were so helpful with Eddie’s care during his illness. We will forever be grateful for all of you, especially hospice nurse, Heather Delong and CNA Deemeka. Our caretaker, Gwen Fields, has been by his side through this difficult time and has become a part of the family. Eddie as well as Patsy felt so blessed to have her with them and the entire family has always loved her. Eddie’s favorite way to say goodbye was to say “Chop Chop”. We will say “Chop Chop” to you for now, Eddie until the time comes that we see you in Heaven. The family has suggested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to the following: Shriners Hospital for Children, 960 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 294605-4277, or to Fair Haven Men’s Home, 2720 Harriston Road, Saint Stephen, South Carolina 29479; or to, Cottageville Community Methodist Church, 44 Pierce Road, Cottageville, South Carolina 29435; or to, a charity of your choice. Funeral services were held 3 o’clock Sunday afternoon, July 28, 2024, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro. His brother, The Reverend Alfred Willis as well as The Reverend Sidney Mims and Pastor Wayne Reeves officiated. Interment followed in Cottageville Cemetery, Cottageville. Arrangements by: The Brice W. Herndon And Sons Funeral Homes And Crematory, Walterboro Chapel, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com
