In Memory of Grandpa

France Marion Willis

1 May 1918 - 16 January 2012

I feel like anything I say is inadequate. Christmas was my last time seeing and talking to him. Giving him a hug then, I knew it was the last. Does knowing death is coming make it any easier? I'm not sure it does. However, since Grandpa Willis lived for 94 years it means that his death wasn't tragic, just sad. The week Grandpa died I cried often and was frustrated that my knowledge and testimony of the plan of salvation wasn't bringing me more comfort. But it was. I was just grieving for the grandparent I've been closest to. At his funeral I gained the closure I needed with the distinct impression that my sorrow was swallowed up in the joy of Christ. That is yet one more blessing of the Atonement. How could I get by without the gospel in my life?

But the missing him still hurts.

Almost all of Grandpa's posterity attended the funeral. Five children, 22 (of 24) grandchildren, and 5 (of 8) great-grandchildren were there. And, although it was a funeral, since it was a Willis gathering there was still a lot of laughter.
Elise meeting & playing with two 2nd cousins. (My cousin's kids, is that how that works?)

I am grateful my girls were able to know him. A man who grew up on the backstreet of Snowflake, Arizona, witnessed the events of Pearl Harbor firsthand as a missionary, built homes and churches in support of his family, and one who was full of memories, poems, and stories that no one else could tell in quite the same way.

My wonderful grandfather will be greatly missed and always remembered.